Printing Table Vacuum Holding for Web Tension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems face challenges in efficiently transporting and printing on continuous substrates without causing folds, compressions, or relative movements that can affect print quality, particularly in ensuring consistent web tension and preventing errors in the printing process.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a printing table with a holding device to prevent relative movement between the table and the substrate, allowing for coordinated feed movement and printing, with optional additional feed devices to support the web material, and a vacuum system for secure holding, ensuring consistent tension and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a printing table with holding device is used to prevent relative movement between the table and substrate, then printing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the holding device and feed movement mechanism into an integrated printing table assembly. The holding device with vacuum channels is built into the printing table structure, and the feed movement capability is merged with the holding function, allowing simultaneous substrate securing and coordinated feeding without requiring separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing table is designed to perform multiple functions: it holds the substrate via vacuum suction, provides coordinated feed movement during printing, and maintains web tension control. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining printing precision.
2Reliability
If additional feed devices are provided to support web material, then web tension control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printing table is designed to perform multiple functions: it holds the substrate via vacuum suction, provides coordinated feed movement during printing, and maintains web tension control. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining printing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vacuum system as an intermediary mechanism that serves multiple purposes: it secures the substrate to the printing table while simultaneously allowing for controlled feed movement. The vacuum channels act as intermediaries between the holding and feeding functions, coordinating substrate retention and movement without requiring direct mechanical contact that would complicate the system.
3Manufacturing precision
If the substrate is held securely during feed movement, then printing quality is improved, but the ability to transport continuous material efficiently is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The printing table employs dynamic vacuum control, adjusting the vacuum pressure and feed movement speed based on the printing phase. During substrate positioning and printing, higher vacuum pressure maintains secure holding, while during feed transitions, the vacuum pressure and feed speed are dynamically adjusted to maintain both substrate security and transport efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic cycles of enhanced vacuum pressure and coordinated feed movement. During printing operations, the vacuum holds the substrate firmly while feed movement proceeds at controlled speeds. Between printing passes, periodic adjustments in vacuum pressure and feed rate optimize the transport of continuous material, balancing holding security with transport efficiency.
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 enables efficient and high-quality printing of continuous substrates by maintaining consistent web tension and preventing errors, allowing for continuous printing without stopping, while ensuring accurate positioning and secure holding of the substrate.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum device 11 which generates a negative pressure is connected to the environment via channels 12 with a support surface 13 of the printing table, so that the web material 1 is held on the support surface 13 by means of the negative pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for printing on a printing substrate (1). A printhead shuttle (5) with at least one printhead (14a, 14b) applies a printing medium to a printing substrate (1) to produce a printed image. The printing substrate (1) is a web material (1) that can be moved along a web path. The printhead shuttle (5) is arranged on a first side of the printing substrate (1), while a printing table (3) is arranged opposite the printhead shuttle (5) on a second side of the printing substrate (1). The printing substrate (1) is held by means of a holding device (11) so that relative movement between the printing table (3) and the printing substrate (1) is prevented during printing.The printing table (3) performs a feed movement, while the holding device (11) holds the printing substrate (1) such that the feed movement is transferred to the printing substrate (1) and the printing table (3) causes a feed movement of the printing substrate (1) along the path.