Digital Printing Dryer Control via Moisture Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current digital printing methods for workpieces require manual adjustment of dryer units and other equipment, leading to non-reproducible and unpredictable results, necessitating experienced operators and resulting in potential waste.

Innovation Solution

An automated method for printing decorations on workpieces using digital printing equipment, which includes providing moisture information to an electric control unit, determining drying parameters based on this information, and using these parameters to operate the dryer unit, thereby ensuring reproducible and efficient printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual adjustment of dryer units is used, then experienced operators can achieve acceptable printing results, but the process becomes non-reproducible and unpredictable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereproducibility of printing resultsVSAvoidautomation of drying parameter control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system measures the actual moisture content of the workpiece and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the drying parameters of the dryer unit, replacing manual operator adjustment with a closed-loop control system that ensures reproducible results

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The printing system performs self-adjustment of drying parameters by automatically measuring moisture content and modifying dryer operation accordingly, eliminating the need for experienced operators to manually tune the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If manual adjustment by experienced operators is required, then some acceptable results can be achieved, but operator dependency increases and waste potential increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operating printing equipmentVSAvoidwaste of printing materials
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Real-time moisture measurement feedback enables automatic optimization of drying parameters, eliminating the need for operator experience while preventing material waste through precise control of the drying process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical skill of experienced operators with an automated measurement and control system that objectively determines optimal drying parameters, reducing both operator dependency and material waste

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If drying parameters are not optimized, then the printing process can continue without complex control systems, but moisture content varies and affects printed image quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of printed imageVSAvoidcomplexity of drying control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses moisture content measurement feedback to automatically adjust drying parameters, achieving precise printed image quality while keeping the control system relatively simple through direct measurement and straightforward parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If automated moisture-based control is implemented, then reproducible printing results are achieved, but measurement and control infrastructure is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepredictability of printing processVSAvoidcomplexity of measurement and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback loop where moisture content is measured and used to automatically control drying parameters, achieving predictable and reproducible printing results through a relatively simple measurement and control infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 automated method enables the production of identical or nearly identical workpieces with minimal waste, achieving reproducible and predictable results by optimizing drying parameters based on real-time moisture measurements.

Implementation Method 1

the dryer unit is used to strongly heat the applied liquid layer, i.e. the decoration, within 1 second, thereby ensuring rapid evaporation of solvents contained in the liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

The method described in that case is based on the knowledge that solvents contained in the applied ink evaporate more quickly on a warm surface of the workpiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12311685B2Method for printing the surface of a workpiece with a decorative pattern, and device therefor
Publication Date: 2025.05.27 SWISS KRONO TEC AG

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a method for printing a decoration on the surface of a workpiece by means of digital printing equipment. The printing equipment includes at least one application unit for applying a liquid to the workpiece and at least one dryer unit for drying the workpiece. The method includes: providing information in an electric control unit of the printing equipment about the expected moisture of the workpiece to be dried, determining drying parameters with which the at least one dryer unit can be operated on the basis of the information provided, and drying the workpiece by means of the at least one dryer unit using the determined drying parameters.