Multi-Pole Printing Conveyance for Throughput Without Station Waiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems face throughput delays due to slower stations, where objects are unable to proceed through the system until all previous operations are completed, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A printing system with a conveyance assembly that allows objects to be independently and separately moved between stations using shuttles, enabling faster stations to process objects without waiting for slower ones, thereby increasing overall throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rotating table moves objects between stations simultaneously, then objects can be processed at multiple stations, but faster stations must wait for slower stations completing processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the object transport function from the processing function. Instead of one rotating table moving all objects through all stations, the system segments transport into multiple independent conveyance assemblies that can move objects between stations independently, allowing parallel processing without waiting
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic control where conveyance assemblies can independently adjust their operation based on station availability and processing speed. Faster stations can continue processing while slower stations complete their operations, eliminating the rigid simultaneous movement constraint
2Productivity
If objects move simultaneously between stations due to table rotation, then multiple objects can be processed in parallel, but downstream stations must wait for upstream stations to complete
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the monolithic rotating table into multiple independent conveyance assemblies. Each assembly handles specific object movements between stations independently, allowing parallel processing without complex synchronization of a single rotating table
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance assemblies act as intermediaries between stations, decoupling the processing timelines of different stations. Objects can be held, advanced, or delayed by the conveyance assembly to match station readiness, eliminating the need for rigid simultaneous movement
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system is provided that may include plural stations that load objects to be printed upon into the printing system, print indicia on the objects, cure the indicia printed on the objects, inspect the indicia printed on the objects, re-orient the objects, and/or unload the objects from the printing system. The printing system also may include a conveyance assembly extending between the stations. The conveyance assembly may independently and/or separately move the objects between or among the stations.