Vascular Network for Multi-Fluid Printing Registration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current printing technologies face challenges in precisely controlling fluid flow and application on moving substrates, leading to uneven distribution, imprecision in registration, overlaying, and blending of fluids, and increased production costs due to the inability to handle multiple fluids simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A vascular network system is designed for a rotating roll that includes a network of channels for fluid distribution, allowing for precise control of fluid flow and application, enabling the simultaneous handling and precise registration of multiple fluids on a substrate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single printing apparatus is used for a single fluid, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to handle multiple fluids simultaneously is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle multiple fluidsVSAvoidnumber of devices required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus is segmented into multiple independent fluid delivery systems, each capable of delivering a different fluid through separate channels and orifices. This segmentation allows multiple fluids to be handled simultaneously by a single device without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The printing apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple fluids simultaneously through a single device. The apparatus incorporates multiple fluid channels, orifices, and delivery mechanisms that can operate independently, enabling one device to perform the function of multiple separate printing apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If moving rolls with axial or circumferential fluid flow are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of fluid distribution is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow control precisionVSAvoidvascular network design

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vascular network is designed with local quality variations, where different regions of the roll have customized channel configurations and orifice patterns tailored to specific fluid delivery requirements. This allows precise control of fluid distribution in different areas while maintaining an integrated network structure, balancing precision with complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid delivery system transitions from traditional two-dimensional surface printing to a three-dimensional vascular network embedded within the roll structure. This dimensional change enables fluids to be delivered through multiple spatial pathways (axial, radial, circumferential), improving distribution precision while managing complexity through structured spatial organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If printing plates and flat surfaces are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity at high processing rates is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing rateVSAvoidprinting apparatus design

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus employs dynamic fluid delivery through a vascular network that can adapt to high processing rates. The network's distributed channel structure allows simultaneous fluid delivery to multiple locations on the substrate, enabling high-speed printing while maintaining precision. The dynamic nature of fluid flow through the vascular network facilitates rapid material transfer without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple separate devices are used for fluid registration and overlaying, then the adaptability to handle different fluids is improved, but the manufacturing precision of registration is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid registration precisionVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fluid delivery functions are merged into a single integrated printing apparatus. The apparatus combines multiple fluid channels, orifices, and delivery mechanisms within one device, enabling simultaneous registration and overlaying of different fluids. This merging eliminates the registration errors that occur when aligning multiple separate devices while maintaining the adaptability to handle different fluid combinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9937704B2Method for making a customizable apparatus for transporting and depositing fluids

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A method of creating a vascular network for printing a fluid onto a substrate is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: determining a deposit objective; selecting a fluid having at least one fluid property; designing a vascular network to achieve the deposit objective; selecting a fluid delivery system, and depositing the fluid in liquid form that solidifies into the vascular network according to the deposit objective.