Dual-Sided Printer Thermal Inkjet Head Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dual-sided direct thermal printing technologies are expensive and limited in their ability to print one side in a single color for transaction details while simultaneously printing the other side in full color for advertisements or coupons, which is advantageous for point-of-sale applications.
Innovation Solution
A dual-sided printer configuration that combines a thermal print head and an inkjet print head, positioned on opposing platens, allows for simultaneous dual-sided printing, with the thermal head imaging one side in a single color and the inkjet head printing the other side in full color, using a substrate with thermal and inkjet receptive coatings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dual-sided direct thermal color printing is used to print both sides in full color, then color printing capability is improved, but cost becomes prohibitively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The printing system is segmented into two independent printing subsystems: a thermal print head for single-color printing on one side and an inkjet print head for full-color printing on the other side. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently, using cost-effective thermal printing for transaction details and more expensive color inkjet printing only where needed for advertisements or coupons.
Solution Approach 2:
Different printing qualities are applied to different sides of the print medium based on local requirements. The side requiring transaction accuracy receives single-color thermal printing, while the side requiring visual appeal receives full-color inkjet printing. This local quality differentiation optimizes cost by applying full-color printing only where it adds value.
2Ease of manufacture
If single-sided direct thermal printing is used, then cost is reduced, but the ability to print advertisements and coupons in full color on the other side is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-sided printer achieves multi-functionality by integrating both thermal and inkjet printing capabilities in a single device. It can print transaction documents in single color on one side while simultaneously printing full-color advertisements or coupons on the other side, making the system versatile enough to handle multiple printing needs in one operation.
3Productivity
If dual-sided direct thermal printing with opposing thermal print heads is used, then simultaneous dual-sided printing is achieved, but the ability to print in different colors on each side is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges two different printing technologies (thermal and inkjet) into a single dual-sided printing system. The thermal print head and inkjet print head are positioned on opposing sides, allowing simultaneous operation. This combination enables the system to produce both single-color thermal prints and full-color inkjet prints on opposite sides of the same medium during the same printing cycle.
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
Enables cost-effective dual-sided printing of documents like receipts and tickets, with transaction details in one color on one side and full-color advertisements on the other, enhancing point-of-sale applications and reducing fraud risks.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal print head selectively applies heat to thermal paper or other sheet media, which includes a substrate with one or more thermally sensitive coatings that change color when heat is applied
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment there is provided a dual-sided printer including a direct thermal print head positioned proximate to a first platen and an inkjet print head positioned proximate to a second platen. The direct thermal print head is in a substantially opposed relation to the second platen and the inkjet print head is in a substantially opposed relation to the first platen to facilitate thermal printing on a first side of installed media and inkjet printing on a second side of the installed media.