Movable Inkjet Printing Assembly for Large Tile Decoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital decorating machines for ceramic and glass objects face challenges in achieving high resolution and efficiency, with single-pass machines being costly and less effective for large-sized tiles, while multi-pass machines are slow and costly to operate.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pass digital decorating machine with a movable printing assembly providing inkjet digital printing capabilities, capable of making longitudinal passes along the length of large-sized tiles, utilizing a conveyor belt with step movement and a processing unit to control the print heads and movement for efficient decoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If single-pass decorating machines are used, then high productivity is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly due to requiring a large number of print heads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable printing assembly that can dynamically reposition itself along the conveyor belt direction. This dynamic positioning capability allows a single printing assembly to cover multiple positions that would traditionally require multiple fixed print heads, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high productivity through continuous belt movement
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds the dimension of longitudinal movement to the traditional transverse printing approach. By enabling the printing assembly to move not only transversely across the belt but also longitudinally along the belt direction, the system achieves single-pass printing capability with fewer print heads, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity
2Productivity
If single-pass decorating machines are used, then high output is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to the large number of print heads required
Solution Approach 1:
The movable printing assembly with longitudinal and transverse positioning capabilities replaces the need for multiple expensive fixed print heads. This dynamic system achieves the same printing coverage with fewer components, directly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining high output through continuous production
Solution Approach 2:
The single printing assembly serves multiple functions by moving to different positions along the conveyor belt and performing printing operations at each position. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated print heads for each position, reducing overall system cost while maintaining high productivity
3Ease of manufacture
If multi-pass decorating machines are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but productivity decreases due to intermittent belt movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous belt movement while the printing assembly dynamically repositions itself during the printing process. This eliminates the need to stop the belt for each printing pass, maintaining continuous production flow and high productivity while using fewer print heads to reduce costs
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic positioning system allows the printing assembly to move and print simultaneously with continuous belt advancement, rather than requiring intermittent stops. This dynamic coordination between belt movement and print head positioning maintains productivity while reducing system complexity and cost
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional multi-pass machines are used for large-sized tiles, then cost is reduced, but production time increases due to slow operation
Solution Approach 1:
By adding longitudinal movement capability to the printing assembly, the system can efficiently cover the extended surface area of large-sized tiles in a single pass. The print heads can move both transversely across the tile width and longitudinally along its length, achieving complete coverage faster than traditional multi-pass systems while maintaining cost effectiveness
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The machine achieves high definition and increased yield by making longitudinal passes, reducing production time and costs compared to existing machines, allowing for faster and more cost-effective decoration of large-sized tiles.
Implementation Method 1
The printing assembly (5) comprises a plurality of print heads for ink jet digital printing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The machine (1) for digital printing of decorations on rigid supports (2), such as tiles or the like, comprises: a conveyor (3) for advancing the supports (2) along a conveying direction (D); a movable printing assembly (5) able to provide said decorations, arranged above said conveyor (5) and comprising a plurality of print heads for ink jet digital printing; moving means (61, 62, 63, 64, 7, 8) for moving the printing assembly (5); and a processing unit configured to activate said print heads and to control the moving means (61, 62, 63, 64, 7, 8). The processing unit comprises a control module configured to print on the support (2) by moving the printing assembly (5) according to a decoration sequence comprising a succession of continuous passes along respective printing directions parallel to the conveying direction (D).