Rotating Platen Printing System for High-Resolution Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing technologies face challenges in achieving high resolution and efficiency when printing on moving surfaces, particularly due to the limitations of linear motion and the need for multiple printheads to accommodate varying substrate sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A printing system that utilizes a rotating platen and printhead configuration, where the substrate is moved in a circular motion, allowing for image data formatting to account for the circular motion and enabling higher resolution printing with fewer printheads by increasing the number of revolutions rather than increasing the number of printheads, along with a key-based setup for automatic adjustment and a curing station for droplet curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple printheads are used to accommodate varying substrate sizes and shapes, then printing versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a rotating platen that dynamically adjusts the substrate position and orientation during the printing process. This dynamic mechanism allows a single printhead to accommodate various substrate sizes and shapes by rotating the substrate to different angles and positions, eliminating the need for multiple fixed printheads while maintaining printing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces rotational motion as an additional dimension to the traditional linear printing process. By rotating the substrate around the printhead axis, the system creates a three-dimensional printing path that allows the same printhead to cover different substrate areas and orientations, effectively replacing the need for multiple printheads with a single multi-functional unit.
2Productivity
If linear motion is used for printing, then printing process simplicity is maintained, but printing speed and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static linear motion to dynamic rotational motion of the platen. This dynamic rotation allows the printhead to maintain optimal positioning relative to the substrate throughout the printing process, enabling faster printing speeds by utilizing the rotational movement to feed the substrate through the printing zone more efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating platen enables continuous substrate movement through the printing zone without interruption. As the platen rotates, it continuously feeds the substrate past the printhead, eliminating the start-stop nature of linear motion and allowing for uninterrupted printing operation, thereby increasing productivity and printing efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If the number of printheads is increased to achieve higher resolution, then image resolution is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves high resolution by utilizing the rotational dimension of the platen rather than adding more printheads. The substrate is rotated multiple times while the printhead deposits material, creating a multi-pass printing effect that accumulates high-resolution detail. This rotational approach provides the resolution enhancement that would otherwise require multiple printheads, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing process employs periodic rotation of the platen, where the substrate rotates through the printing zone multiple times. Each rotation provides an additional pass for the printhead to deposit material, accumulating high-resolution images through repeated periodic action. This periodic rotational printing achieves high resolution without requiring multiple simultaneous printheads.
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 allows for faster printing of high-resolution images on various substrates with minimal setup time, increased efficiency, and the ability to print on different substrates using the same platen, especially beneficial for small or customized items, by compensating for circular motion variations and improving image resolution without the need for additional printheads.
Implementation Method 1
Ink drop ejection is controlled by pressurizing ink in the ink path with an actuator, which may be, for example, a piezoelectric deflector
Implementation Method 2
Ink drop ejection is controlled by pressurizing ink in the ink path with an actuator, which may be, for example, a thermal bubble jet generator
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a printing system including a rotating platen having an axis of rotation and configured to support a substrate, and a printhead configured to eject drops in a direction parallel with the axis of rotation onto the substrate supported by the rotating platen.