Segmented Vacuum Carrier for Contactless Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In contactless printing methods, suction flows from the print table can divert ink droplets, leading to printing imperfections due to the vacuum being applied over the entire surface, including areas without media, requiring cumbersome cover arrangements to mitigate this issue.
Innovation Solution
A media transport system with a carrier having a support surface with holes and suction groups, where valve means control suction flows dynamically based on the media's coverage area, ensuring suction is applied only where the media is present, and adjusting suction forces to minimize energy consumption and operator involvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum is applied over the entire print table surface, then media can be held firmly on the carrier, but ink droplets are diverted causing printing imperfections
Solution Approach 1:
The print table surface is divided into multiple zones with individual vacuum control. Each zone can be independently activated or deactivated based on the presence of media, allowing selective application of suction force only where needed, thus preventing ink diversion while maintaining reliable media holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum system transitions from a static full-surface vacuum to a dynamic selective vacuum. Vacuum is applied only in zones where media is detected through sensors, and the intensity can be adjusted based on real-time media position feedback, resolving the conflict between holding stability and print quality.
2Reliability
If vacuum is applied over the entire print table surface, then media transport is stable, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is segmented into multiple independently controllable zones. Each zone's vacuum pump or vacuum control valve can be activated only when media is present in that zone, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining stable media transport where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum application becomes periodic rather than continuous. Sensors detect media presence and trigger vacuum activation only during periods when media is in position, creating an on-demand vacuum system that reduces energy consumption while maintaining transport stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If covers are arranged over non-covered holes to prevent suction flows, then printing imperfections are avoided, but operator involvement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by using sensors to automatically detect media presence and control vacuum activation without operator intervention. The intelligent control system manages the complex coordination of sensors, valves, and vacuum sources, eliminating the need for operators to manually arrange covers.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical cover arrangement system is replaced with an automated sensor-based vacuum control system. Electronic sensors and programmable logic control replace the manual mechanical operation, improving print quality while reducing operator involvement.
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 effectively reduces disturbing suction flows, improves print quality by ensuring precise ink placement, and reduces energy consumption by optimizing suction force distribution, thus enhancing the efficiency of the printing process.
Implementation Method 1
a suction flow through the holes, in particular to hold the medium on the support surface
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2
AI summary
A contact-less liquid application apparatus, and in particular a printing apparatus, for applying a liquid in a contact-less manner on a moving medium, said liquid application apparatus comprising: - a liquid application means (500) configured for applying a liquid on a moving medium; - a media transport system (1000) configured for moving the medium in a movement direction at a distance of the liquid application means; - a flow control means (2000) configured to evacuate at least a portion of the air displaced by the moving of the medium, at least before the medium is in a liquid application position, said liquid application position being a position in which the liquid application means is applying liquid on the medium.