Thermal Transfer Roller Deviation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing machines for thermal transfer of images on articles lack flexibility in the independent vertical movement of deviation rollers, limiting their operational flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The printing machine incorporates independently controllable motor means for the first and second deviation rollers, allowing for selective vertical movement, joint or sequential vertical displacement of the transfer roller and deviation rollers, and a universal joint for unidirectional rotation of the transfer roller, along with infrared radiation emitting elements for precise temperature control and a contactless temperature sensor for efficient ink transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vertical positions of deviation rollers are adjustable independently, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring separate motor means for each roller
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the vertical movement control into independent segments by providing separate motor means for each deviation roller. This allows each roller to be controlled independently, achieving operational flexibility while managing complexity through modular control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The deviation rollers are made dynamically controllable through independent motor means, allowing their vertical positions to be adjusted in real-time based on operational requirements. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt to different printing conditions and article types.
2Device complexity
If the transfer roller and deviation rollers move vertically jointly, then device complexity is reduced, but operational flexibility deteriorates as independent positioning is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical movement system is segmented into independent control units for the transfer roller and deviation rollers. Each component has its own motor means, allowing independent positioning and movement control, thereby achieving operational flexibility without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each deviation roller and the transfer roller are equipped with local control capabilities through dedicated motor means. This local quality of independent control allows each component to be positioned optimally for specific operational requirements without being constrained by joint movement limitations.
3Productivity
If heating means are applied continuously to the transfer roller, then image transfer efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and roller damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating means are activated periodically or on-demand based on the printing operation requirements rather than continuously. This periodic action maintains image transfer efficiency when needed while reducing energy consumption and thermal stress on the roller during non-operational periods.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensor means provide feedback on the transfer roller temperature, allowing the heating means to be controlled precisely based on actual thermal conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal heating for efficient image transfer while preventing excessive energy consumption and roller damage through controlled thermal management.
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 design enhances operational flexibility, allows for precise control of the printing process, and prevents damage to the transfer roller by enabling quick heating and cooling, while maintaining efficient image transfer onto articles.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of infrared radiation emitting elements of a resistive type with low thermal inertia are mounted on the surface of said roller facing the transfer roller
Implementation Method 2
a thermal transfer assembly which is movable in a predetermined horizontal direction and comprises a motorized rotating transfer roller and heating means associated with the transfer roller
Implementation Method 3
contactless temperature sensor means associated with the transfer roller for providing electric signals indicative of the temperature of the peripheral surface of the transfer roller
Data Source
AI summary
The printing machine (1) comprises: a supporting structure (11); a thermal transfer assembly (20) movable in a predetermined horizontal direction (21) and comprising a rotatable motorized transfer roller (30) and heating means (70, 71) associated to the transfer roller (30), wherein the transfer roller (30) and the associated heating means (70, 71) are movable vertically towards and away from a path of the articles (A) to be printed; and supply means (2; 12-16, 33-40) arranged to advance a printing ribbon (N) which on a side facing the articles (A) carries at predetermined intervals images formed of a thermally transferable ink. The thermal transfer assembly (20) further comprises first and second deviation rollers (35, 36) whose axes of rotation are horizontal and substantially parallel to one another and to the axis of rotation (x) of the transfer roller (30). The deviation rollers (35, 36) are arranged one upstream and the other downstream of the transfer roller (30) on the path of the printing ribbon (N) and are displaceable vertically towards and away from said path of the articles (A). The printing machine (1) further comprises first and second motor means (43, 44) associated each with a respective deviation roller (35, 36), said first and second motor means (43, 44) being controllable independently of one another, whereby each of the deviation rollers (35, 36) is selectively displaceable vertically independently of the other one.