Moving Film Marking System Without Pre-Printed Eyespots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for printing graphics on moving films require pre-applied eyespots/reference marks, increasing manufacturing costs and time, and are limited in positional accuracy due to variations in web tension and temperature, leading to potential misapplication of graphics.

Innovation Solution

A system that marks a moving film without pre-applied eyespots/reference marks by using a triggering apparatus to generate trigger signals based on the film's line speed, synchronizing with marking areas, and a controller to generate marking signals for accurate marking, allowing for precise placement of graphics without pre-printing processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If pre-applied eyespots/reference marks are used for printing graphics on moving film, then graphic placement registration is achieved, but manufacturing costs and production time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphic placement registrationVSAvoidproduction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies eyespots and reference marks pre-registration strips to the film web before the printing operation. This preliminary action establishes the registration framework in advance, allowing the printing press to accurately place graphics without requiring additional time during the printing process itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a registration system that uses pre-applied eyespots and reference marks as intermediary elements. These markers serve as mediators between the film web and the printing mechanism, enabling precise graphic placement registration while maintaining production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If pre-applied eyespots/reference marks are used for printing graphics on moving film, then graphic placement registration is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphic placement registrationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If traditional pre-applied eyespots/reference marks are used, then graphic printing is triggered, but positional accuracy is limited due to web tension and temperature variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphic printing triggerVSAvoidpositional accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The registration system is designed to be dynamic, automatically adjusting to variations in web tension and temperature during the printing process. The system continuously monitors the positions of eyespots and reference marks and makes real-time corrections to maintain accurate graphic placement despite changing environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the positions of pre-applied eyespots and reference marks. This feedback information is used to automatically adjust the printing process, ensuring that graphics are placed accurately even when web tension or temperature varies during production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Extent of automation

If pre-applied eyespots/reference marks are used, then marking trigger is provided, but repeat distance variations create inability to correctly print graphics at predetermined locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking trigger mechanismVSAvoidrepeat distance consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10781009B2Systems, apparatuses, and methods for marking a moving film and methods of manufacture and use of metallized marked films made therefrom

Publication Date: 2020.09.22 PRINTPACK ILLINOIS INC

AI summary

Systems for marking a moving film that include a triggering apparatus (140) that repeatedly provides a trigger signal, a controller (120) that receives the trigger signal and generates a marking signal, and a marking device (130) that receives the marking signal and marks the film are provided Also provided are methods for marking a moving film that employ the systems. Apparatuses for marking a moving film that include the triggering apparatus and the controller are also provided. Methods for making metallized marked films that include a film marked by these systems and a metallized layer, in which at least one marking is embedded within the film are also provided. Also provided are methods for making packages and packing a product in these packages, in which the packages include the metallized marked films are also provided.