Printing System Roll Diameter Prediction Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems face challenges in ensuring that the output rolls from two webs have approximately the same diameter, which is crucial for error-free wrapping and post-processing, as the difference in image distribution and marking material usage can lead to uneven roll diameters.
Innovation Solution
A prediction module is integrated into the printing system to forecast the diameters of the output rolls based on the printing arrangement, image data, and system settings, providing warnings and adjusting the image distribution to maintain a predetermined diameter difference threshold, ensuring accurate wrapping and post-processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If images are distributed between first and second web to save web material, then web usage efficiency is improved, but output roll diameter uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The prediction module calculates and predicts the output roll diameters before the printing process begins, allowing the system to identify potential diameter differences in advance and adjust the printing arrangement accordingly to ensure uniform roll diameters
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by comparing predicted diameter values against a threshold difference, enabling operators to adjust the printing arrangement to maintain optimal diameter uniformity between output rolls
2Loss of substance
If images are arranged close to each other along feed direction to save web, then web efficiency is improved, but diameter control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prediction module automatically calculates and provides diameter predictions without requiring manual intervention, and the system self-adjusts by providing warnings that enable operators to make necessary arrangement modifications
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a printing system (100)and a method for printing a plurality of images (190) on a first web (181) and on a second web(182), the printing system (100) comprising a print head (110), a feed unit (120) for feeding both the first web (181) and the second web (182) simultaneously to the print head (110) in a feed direction (Y) relative said print head (110), a wrap up unit (125) for wrapping up both the first web (181) and the second web (182) simultaneously to form a first output roll (183) and a second output roll (184) respectively, a user interface (130) configured to set a printing arrangement (250, 350) of the plurality of images (190) on the first web (181) and the second web (182) and to input the print head (110), the feed unit (120) and the wrap up unit (125) for performing printing according to the printing arrangement (250) by ejecting marking material on the respective webs. The printing system further comprises a prediction module (140) for predicting a first diameter of the first output roll (185) and a second diameter of the second output roll (186) based on the printing arrangement (250, 350)). The prediction module (140) is configured to establish a difference of the predicted first diameter and the predicted second diameter, and to provide to the user interface a warning when the established difference is larger than a predetermined diameter difference threshold.