Printing Unit with Movable Support Fabric for Inkjet Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing processes, particularly with water-based ink, often result in deformation of the printing material, leading to potential damage to print heads and poor print quality due to varying drop flight times and wave formation.
Innovation Solution
A printing unit with multiple inkjet print heads arranged in series, featuring a movable protective cover and suction boxes with inlet and outlet openings connected to a common suction line, which helps maintain material stability and quality by managing fluid flow and reducing deformation risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If inkjet printing is used with water-based ink, then printing flexibility and image quality are improved, but printing material deformation and print head damage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
A support fabric is introduced as an intermediary between the inkjet print head and the printing material. This support fabric receives the inkjet print head in a retracted position and provides mechanical support to the printing material during the printing process, preventing deformation while allowing high-speed inkjet printing to proceed
Solution Approach 2:
The support fabric is designed to be movable, transitioning between a first position during printing where it supports the printing material and a second position during web changing where it allows access to the printing material roll. This dynamic positioning enables the system to adapt to different operational phases while maintaining printing material stability during the critical printing phase
2Ease of operation
If printing material is kept loose for web changing, then ease of operation is improved, but material stability and print quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support fabric transitions between a first position during printing that provides material stability and a second position during web changing that allows loose material handling. The inkjet print head also transitions between retracted and advanced positions, enabling the system to dynamically adapt to operational requirements while maintaining material stability during printing
Solution Approach 2:
The support fabric is positioned in advance to provide mechanical support to the printing material before the printing process begins. This pre-positioning prevents material deformation during high-speed printing while allowing the material to be handled loosely during web changing operations
3Ease of operation
If inkjet print head is retracted for support fabric access, then ease of operation is improved, but printing speed and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The inkjet print head is designed to retract to a retracted position where it is received by the support fabric, allowing the support fabric to be moved or adjusted without interference from the print head. During high-speed printing, the print head advances to its advanced position for optimal printing performance. This dynamic positioning enables both easy support fabric access and high printing speed
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 solution enhances print quality and prevents damage to print heads by ensuring consistent material flow and reduced deformation, allowing for high-speed printing with improved image generation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
At least two suction boxes (231, 232) are arranged on the at least one crossbeam (277), with their respective inlet openings (233, 234) facing in a direction with at least one component pointing vertically downwards
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a printing assembly (200), which has a frame (283), which has two side walls (271), between which a transport path provided for the transport of printing material (02) at least partially extends, wherein a transport direction is defined by the transport path provided for the transport of printing material (02) and wherein the printing assembly (200) has at least three crossmembers (272), which each extend at least in a transverse direction (A) between the side walls (271) and which are arranged one behind the other with respect to the transport direction, and wherein the printing assembly (200) has at least three printing heads (221), which are arranged one behind the other with respect to the transport direction, and wherein at least one first additional device (247; 263; 601; 602; 603; 604; 607; 608) different from each printing head (221) is arranged on each of the crossmembers (272), which at least one first additional device is associated with at least one front printing head (221) arranged in front of the the particular crossmember (272) in the transport direction, and wherein at least one second additional device (247; 263; 601; 602; 603; 604; 607; 608) different from each printing head (221) is arranged on each of the crossmembers (272), which at least one second additional device is associated with at least one rear printing head (221) arranged behind the particular crossmember (272) in the transport direction.