Modular Printing Unit Segmentation for Rapid Ink Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional printing apparatuses require complex and time-consuming interventions by specialized personnel to change ink colors or materials, leading to long downtimes and limited user customization options due to the fixed positioning of ink tanks and pumping devices.
Innovation Solution
A modular printing unit with a tank, print head, and feed members connected via flexible tubes and rapid attachment means, allowing for easy replacement and customization of print materials without altering the overall structure, enabling non-specialized personnel to perform quick color and finishing personalizations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ink tanks and pumping devices are fixed in position below the support plane, then structural stability is maintained, but customization of ink colors and materials requires complex interventions and long downtimes
Solution Approach 1:
The printing apparatus is divided into modular printing units, each comprising a print head, tank, and feed members as an integrated assembly. This segmentation allows individual printing units to be replaced without affecting the entire system, enabling quick customization of ink colors and materials by simply swapping modules rather than performing complex interventions on fixed components.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing units are designed as universal modules that can be selectively installed and removed from the slider. Each module contains all necessary components (print head, tank, feed members) to function independently, allowing the system to adapt to different printing needs by replacing entire units rather than reconfiguring individual components.
2Ease of operation
If print heads, pumping devices and recirculating devices are integrated on the slider, then printing functionality is optimized, but replacement and personalization require drastic structural interventions
Solution Approach 1:
The printing system is segmented into self-contained printing units that include print heads, tanks, and feed members. This modular architecture simplifies personalization operations because users only need to replace entire units rather than disassembling and reconfiguring complex integrated systems, thereby reducing both operational complexity and structural intervention requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular printing units are designed to be easily replaceable by non-specialized personnel through simple attachment and detachment operations. The self-contained nature of each unit allows users to perform maintenance and personalization tasks independently without requiring qualified personnel or complex structural modifications.
3Reliability
If flexible tubes are used to feed ink from fixed tanks to moving print heads, then connectivity is maintained, but the tubes can get damaged during slider movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates flexible tubes by segmenting the ink delivery function into self-contained printing units. Each unit integrates its tank and feed members with the print head, creating a closed system that moves as one rigid assembly. This eliminates the harmful flexible tubes entirely while maintaining reliable ink connectivity through fixed internal passages within each modular unit.
Data Source
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AI summary
Printing unit (2) for a printing apparatus (1) for printing on substrates (18) of the type comprising at least a tank (8), a print head (5) and feed members (19) of the ink or other print material from said tank (8) to the print head (5), a slider (3) also being provided to support and move said printing unit (2) above a respective support plane (4). According to the invention said printing unit (2) is a modular printing unit (2), provided with a support element (12) equipped with said tank (8), print head (5) and feed members (19).