Printing Machine Printhead Traversing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing machines face challenges in achieving high printing accuracy on containers due to misalignment and varying surface shapes, leading to inconsistencies in print quality.
Innovation Solution
A printing machine with a traversing system comprising a radial module, height module, tilting module, and alignment module, along with a measuring system and control unit, allows for precise adjustment and alignment of print heads relative to the container surface, using motor-spindle-nut drives and piezo elements for accurate positioning and real-time adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traversing system with radial module, height module, and tilt module is used to adjust printhead position, then printing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The traversing system is segmented into three independent modules: radial module for radial position adjustment, height module for vertical position adjustment, and tilt module for angular adjustment. Each module can be adjusted independently to achieve precise printhead positioning while maintaining manageable system complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic adjustment capabilities where the traversing system can adapt the printhead position in real-time based on container characteristics. The independent modules allow for dynamic compensation of misalignments and surface variations, enabling the system to maintain high printing accuracy across different printing conditions.
2Measurement precision
If independent adjustment of radial module, height module, and tilt module is provided, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is divided into three independently adjustable modules, each responsible for a specific degree of freedom: radial position, height, and tilt angle. This segmentation allows for precise control of each parameter independently, achieving high alignment precision while keeping the control of each module relatively simple and manageable.
3Ease of operation
If printing unit includes centering means, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printing unit incorporates self-centering means that automatically align and center the printing unit on the printing press without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism improves ease of operation by eliminating complex manual alignment procedures, while the automated nature of the centering process prevents excessive increase in device complexity.
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 enables precise alignment and positioning of print heads, ensuring high accuracy and uniformity in print quality, even on containers with slight tilts, and facilitates easy maintenance and cleaning, reducing assembly efforts and improving throughput.
Implementation Method 1
piezoelectric elements are assigned to a printhead module, which are suitable for aligning the printhead module relative to the container to be printed
Implementation Method 2
the radial module, the height module, and the tilt module each comprise a motor, preferably a motor-spindle-nut drive
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d
AI summary
The invention relates to a printing machine for printing on containers, such as bottles, comprising at least one conveyor and a printing unit with a printhead module, with at least one printhead, a traversing system for adjusting the position of the printhead module, a measuring system for determining the position of the printhead module and a control unit for controlling the traversing system, wherein the traversing system comprises a radial module for adjusting the position of the printhead module in a radial direction and a height module for adjusting the height of the printhead module in a vertical direction.