Printer Table Aperture Masking via Ball Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum tables in printers face inefficiencies when substrates are smaller than the table, leading to uncovered apertures that reduce vacuum pressure, causing substrates to lift or curl, and existing masking solutions are labor-intensive, prone to adhesion issues, or require frequent replacement.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating ball valves or electromagnets that automatically adjust to open or close apertures based on substrate coverage, ensuring consistent negative pressure and secure substrate holding without the need for additional masking materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mask is applied to cover uncovered apertures on the vacuum table, then vacuum pressure is maintained and substrate flatness is improved, but the masking process becomes labor-intensive and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects which apertures are uncovered by the substrate and closes only those specific apertures using individual valves, eliminating the need for manual masking. The system serves itself by autonomously adjusting the vacuum table aperture states based on substrate position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
Each aperture on the vacuum table is equipped with its own controllable valve, allowing independent control of each aperture's open/closed state. This segmentation enables precise control where only uncovered apertures are closed while covered apertures remain open for proper substrate adhesion.
2Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive tape or adhesive material is used to fix the mask to the table, then the mask remains in place during printing, but the tape or adhesive is not resistant to UV radiation and heat, leading to loss of adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical adhesive bonding system (tape or adhesive) is replaced with an automated valve control system. Instead of relying on adhesive properties that degrade under UV and heat, the system uses electronically controlled valves that are immune to radiation and thermal effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system eliminates the need for manual mask application and adhesive fixation by automatically detecting substrate position and controlling aperture valves accordingly. The system serves itself without requiring external masking materials or adhesive applications.
3Ease of operation
If positive pressure is applied to remove the substrate after printing, then substrate removal is assisted, but the mask is dislodged and may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts aperture states based on operational phase: during printing, uncovered apertures are closed to maintain vacuum; during substrate removal, positive pressure is applied and the system automatically opens previously closed apertures to prevent mask damage while assisting substrate removal.
Solution Approach 2:
Before applying positive pressure for substrate removal, the system preemptively opens the aperture valves that were previously closed, ensuring that the mask is not subjected to damaging pressure differentials while still allowing effective substrate removal.
4Reliability
If ball valves are used to automatically close uncovered apertures, then vacuum pressure is maintained without masking materials, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each aperture valve is equipped with a sensor or detection mechanism that automatically detects whether the aperture is covered by substrate or uncovered, and autonomously opens or closes the valve accordingly. The system serves itself without external intervention or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state parameter of each aperture (open/closed) based on the detection of substrate coverage. When an aperture transitions from covered to uncovered state, the valve automatically changes its state from open to closed, maintaining vacuum pressure without requiring masking materials.
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
This solution maintains consistent substrate flatness and print quality by automatically masking uncovered apertures, reducing labor and material costs, and extending the life of masking materials.
Implementation Method 1
a negative air pressure source configured to apply a negative air pressure through the plurality of ball valves to the plurality of apertures
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of ball valves arranged in fluidic connection with the apertures, each of the ball valves having an open configuration and a closed configuration
Implementation Method 3
an electromagnet configured to selectively move the ferromagnetic ball in relation to the valve opening to selectively place the ball valve in the closed configuration or the open configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A printer table for supporting a substrate during a printing operation comprises a substrate support surface comprising a plurality of apertures. The apertures are arranged such that a substrate placed on the printer table covers at least one of the apertures. The printer table comprises a plurality of ball valves arranged in fluidic connection with the apertures, where each of the ball valves has an open configuration and a closed configuration and is biased to the open configuration. The printer table also comprises a negative air pressure source configured to apply a negative air pressure through the plurality of ball valves to the plurality of apertures.