Dual-Mode Printing Conveyor for Flexible DTG Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direct to garment (DTG) printers require high introduction costs and large installation spaces, and are inflexible in operation, especially when the number of print processes is small.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a head, carriage, and conveyor that allows for both front operation and continuous printing modes, enabling flexible operation without increasing costs or space, using a medium holder that is attachable and detachable, and a conveyor that rotates in both directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a plurality of printers are connected to perform continuous printing, then productivity is enhanced, but introduction cost and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor is designed to dynamically switch between two operational modes: bidirectional movement for single-medium front operation and unidirectional continuous conveyance for multi-medium printing. This dynamic adaptability allows one printer to replace multiple printers, enhancing productivity without increasing device complexity or introduction cost
Solution Approach 2:
The printing apparatus is designed with universal functionality to perform both front operation (single medium, bidirectional) and continuous printing (multiple media, unidirectional) modes. The controller and conveyor system are configured to accommodate different printing scenarios, making the single printer versatile enough to replace multiple specialized printers
2Productivity
If a plurality of printers are connected to perform continuous printing, then productivity is enhanced, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple printers into a single integrated system. By combining the front operation capability and continuous printing capability into one printer with an adaptable conveyor system, the installation space requirement is reduced while maintaining enhanced productivity through continuous printing operations
3Device complexity
If the number of printers is reduced to lower cost, then introduction cost decreases, but flexibility in operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system dynamically adapts its operation based on the printing mode selected. In front operation mode, it moves the medium holder bidirectionally for single-medium printing. In continuous printing mode, it switches to unidirectional continuous conveyance for multiple media, maintaining operational flexibility while using only one printer to reduce introduction cost
4Device complexity
If a single printer is used for front operation, then introduction cost decreases, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system enables continuous printing operations by continuously conveying multiple medium holders through the printing apparatus without interruption. The controller coordinates the carriage scanning and conveyor movement to maintain continuous printing action, enhancing productivity while keeping introduction cost low by using only one printer
Data Source
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AI summary
A printing apparatus (100) includes a head (30), a carriage (20), a conveyor (50), and a controller (500). The head (30) discharges liquid on a medium held by a medium holder (10). The carriage (20) is mounted with the head (30). The conveyor (50) rotates in forward and reverse directions to convey the medium holder (10). The controller (500) performs a front operation mode and a continuous printing mode. The medium holder (10) is attachable to and detachable from the conveyor (50). In the front operation mode, the controller (500) causes the conveyor (50) to move a single medium holder (10) inserted from a front side of the printing apparatus (100) back and forth. In the continuous printing mode, the controller (500) causes the conveyor (50) to move a plurality of medium holders sequentially inserted from a back side of the printing apparatus (100) in one direction.