Adjustable Printhead Angle for Consistent Thermal Ribbon Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in achieving optimal print quality due to manual adjustments of the printhead position relative to the print roller, which are time-consuming, operator-dependent, and not adaptable to varying printing speeds, leading to inconsistent ink transfer and print quality issues.

Innovation Solution

The printing apparatus features an adjustable printhead angle that aligns with the top dead centre position of the print roller, allowing for automatic adjustment based on ribbon speed, ensuring consistent dwell time for ink heating and maintaining the optimal peel-off angle, thereby optimizing print quality across different speeds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of printhead position is used, then initial setup is possible, but adjustment is time-consuming and operator-dependent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinthead position adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The printhead assembly automatically adjusts its own position relative to the print roller based on detected ribbon speed, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and trial-and-error adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from ribbon speed detection to automatically control printhead positioning, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to varying printing conditions without operator input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If fixed printhead position is used, then device structure is simple, but print quality is inconsistent at varying speeds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinthead positioning systemVSAvoidprint quality consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The printhead position is made dynamically adjustable based on ribbon speed, transitioning from a static fixed position to a dynamic position that adapts to varying printing conditions to maintain consistent print quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the positional parameter of the printhead based on detected ribbon speed, allowing the same device to optimize print quality across different operating conditions without increasing fundamental device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Force

If printhead contacts ribbon too early, then ink transfer pressure is adequate, but ink overheats and becomes too fluid causing blurred print

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink transfer pressureVSAvoidink temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of ribbon speed to determine the optimal moment for printhead contact, ensuring the ink has been heated for the correct duration before pressure is applied for transfer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Ribbon speed feedback controls the timing of printhead engagement, creating a closed-loop system that prevents both underheating and overheating by adjusting contact timing based on actual printing conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Temperature

If printhead contacts ribbon too late, then ink temperature is controlled, but ink does not transfer cleanly and print is patchy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink temperature controlVSAvoidink transfer quality

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses ribbon speed feedback to determine the precise moment for printhead contact, ensuring optimal ink transfer by contacting the ribbon at the correct time based on actual heating duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary speed detection to calculate the optimal contact timing, ensuring the printhead engages the ribbon at the precise moment when ink temperature and viscosity are optimal for transfer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 ensures consistent print quality by adjusting the printhead angle in response to ribbon speed, minimizing ink overheating or underheating, and maintaining the optimal peel-off angle, reducing waste and improving print accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

the printhead 12 includes a plurality of thermally energisable printing elements, each of which is selectively energisable, so as to enable a pixel of ink to be transferred to the substrate 22

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energisation: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS8711193B2Printing apparatus and method of operation of a printing apparatus

Publication Date: 2014.04.29 MARKEM IMAJE IND

AI summary

A printing apparatus including a printhead for transferring ink from a ribbon to a substrate to be printed, a print roller for guiding the substrate to be printed, a peel-off roller for separating the ribbon from the substrate, downstream of the printhead, wherein a peel-off angle is subtended between a portion of ribbon which, when the printing apparatus is in use, extends between the printhead and the peel-off roller and a tangent to the print roller at a contact point on the circumference of the print roller, and a printhead angle is subtended between a part of the printhead which transfers ink from the ribbon to the substrate and a radius of the print roller at the contact point, and wherein the printhead angle is adjustable in accordance with the speed of the ribbon relative to the printing apparatus.