Segmented Water Transfer Roller for Printing Dampening Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dampening apparatuses for printers, particularly those with rollers not divided in the axial direction, face challenges in adequately supplying dampening water, leading to ink splashing or reduced viscosity at the edges of printed materials with varying patterned surface areas, and fail to control dampening water according to ink supply amounts due to different structures between ink and dampening systems.
Innovation Solution
A dampening apparatus with air blowing portions along the axial direction of water transfer rollers, controlled by a valve mechanism, adjusts the distribution of dampening water based on the width and patterned surface area of the printed material, ensuring adequate supply and matching ink and dampening water amounts for improved printing quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If dampening water is supplied using a roller not divided in the axial direction, then the device structure is simple, but the dampening water distribution is inadequate at the edges of printed materials
Solution Approach 1:
The water transfer roller is divided into multiple independent water transfer portions along the axial direction, each corresponding to different regions of the printed material. This segmentation allows independent control of dampening water supply to edge regions versus center regions, resolving the contradiction by maintaining structural simplicity while achieving precise water distribution control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different water transfer portions of the roller are configured with different water transfer characteristics to match the different requirements of various regions on the printed material. The edge portions supply less dampening water while the center portion supplies more, achieving local optimization of dampening water distribution without complicating the overall roller structure.
2Quantity of substance
If a large amount of dampening water is supplied to the entire roller surface, then the water supply is sufficient for the center region, but ink emulsification occurs at the edge portions
Solution Approach 1:
The water transfer roller is configured with different water transfer capabilities at different axial positions. The edge portions of the roller have reduced water transfer to prevent ink emulsification at the edges of printed materials, while the center portion maintains full water transfer capability. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient dampening water where needed while preventing harmful effects where not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller is segmented into multiple water transfer portions with independently controllable water supply characteristics. This allows the system to supply appropriate amounts of dampening water to different regions, preventing ink emulsification at edges while ensuring adequate supply at the center, thus resolving the contradiction between overall water sufficiency and local water control.
3Ease of operation
If the dampening apparatus structure is kept simple without divided rollers, then the device is easy to operate, but adequate dampening water supply control cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The water transfer roller is divided into multiple water transfer portions along the axial direction, with each portion independently controllable. This segmentation enables precise control of dampening water supply to different regions of the printed material while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure that does not require complex mechanical divisions or multiple separate rollers, thus balancing ease of operation with precise water supply control.
Solution Approach 2:
The water transfer characteristics of different portions of the roller are adjusted by changing operational parameters such as rotation speed, water supply pressure, or contact pressure at different axial positions. This allows precise control of dampening water distribution without requiring complex structural modifications, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving the required precision in water supply control.
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 allows for precise adjustment of dampening water distribution, preventing quality deterioration at edges and ensuring consistent ink supply, thereby enhancing printing performance by synchronizing dampening water with ink distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of air blowing portions (11) disposed in a line in an axial direction of the water transfer roller (8) and configured to blow air to the roller
Data Source
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AI summary
A dampening water amount regulating apparatus 40 includes a plurality of air supply boxes 41 disposed in a line in an axial direction of a water transfer roller 8 and each defines one air blowing portion. The air supply box 41 includes a substantially U-shaped air passage 67 that allows air in an air supply chamber 57 to pass along an outer peripheral surface of the water transfer roller 8 and supplies the same into an air discharge chamber 60. A valve mechanism 44 that increases and decreases an air amount is provided at a midsection of the air passage 67.