Printing Apparatus Ink Transfer Cliché Cleaning Elimination

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Solution Overview

Problem

The conventional reverse off-set printing process requires a time-consuming cliché cleaning operation, increasing production time and costs due to the need for additional equipment and raw materials, which is not suitable for mass production of electronic products like semiconductors and flexible displays.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus and method that omit the cliché cleaning process by transferring ink patterns from the printing roller to a first transfer substrate and from the cliché roller to a second transfer substrate, using embossed portions on the cliché roller to form and collect patterns without the need for cleaning, thereby reducing production time and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cliché cleaning operation is performed in the reverse off-set printing process, then the printing quality and reliability are improved, but the production time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting qualityVSAvoidproduction time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful function of the cliché roller (holding transferred ink that interferes with next cycle printing) is extracted and redirected to a useful purpose - transferring the ink to a second substrate to form second patterns. This eliminates the need for cleaning while maintaining printing quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The transferred ink on the cliché roller, which was previously considered waste requiring cleaning, is converted into a useful resource by transferring it to a second substrate to create additional patterns. This transforms a harmful effect into a beneficial one, eliminating cleaning needs while increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If a cliché cleaning operation is performed, then the lifetime of the cliché roller is extended, but additional equipment and raw materials are required increasing costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecliché roller lifetimeVSAvoidequipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cliché roller is given a dual function: it not only removes patterns from the printing roller but also transfers the removed ink patterns to a second substrate. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cleaning equipment and reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cliché roller performs its own 'cleaning' function by transferring the ink to the second substrate, eliminating the need for external cleaning devices. The system uses its existing components to solve the contamination problem without adding complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the reverse off-set printing process is used for mass production, then productivity is improved, but the continuous ink transfer to cliché roller requires frequent cleaning operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass production capabilityVSAvoidcleaning operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The process maintains continuous operation by eliminating the cleaning interruption. The cliché roller continuously transfers ink to the second substrate without stopping, allowing mass production to proceed without periodic cleaning downtime, thus maintaining continuous useful action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding the ink on the cliché roller as waste requiring cleaning, the system recovers it by transferring to a second substrate to create additional value. This eliminates the need to stop for cleaning while maintaining mass production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 approach reduces production time and costs by eliminating the need for cliché cleaning, allowing for simultaneous pattern formation on multiple substrates without discarded ink, enhancing productivity and reducing equipment and material requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a cliché roller which rotates in engagement with the printing roller and forms first patterns on the printing roller by removing portions of the ink coated on the outer circumferential surface of the printing roller and on which second patterns which are the removed portions of the ink are formed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInk transfer through contact and rotation:

Data Source

PatentUS10414151B2Printing apparatus and method of operating the same

Publication Date: 2019.09.17 CHANGWON NATIONAL UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY ACADEMY COOPERATION CORPS

AI summary

Provided is a printing apparatus including: a printing roller whose outer circumferential surface is coated with ink; a cliché roller which rotates in engagement with the printing roller and forms first patterns on the printing roller by removing portions of the ink coated on the outer circumferential surface of the printing roller and on which second patterns which are the removed portions of the ink are formed; a first transfer substrate onto which the first patterns of the printing roller are transferred; and a second transfer substrate onto which the second patterns of the cliché roller are transferred. The printing apparatus can reduce the time required for a product production process by omitting a cliché cleaning process.