Encoder Setup Adjustment for Unknown Paper Thickness

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In printing systems, changing the thickness of the recording medium, such as paper, often results in an incorrect encoder setup, leading to poor print quality due to mismatched timing and web tension, as the precise thickness is unknown and can vary significantly.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to automatically adjust the encoder setup by printing a continuous test line, measuring its width, and iteratively modifying the setup to minimize the test line width, using in-line scanning systems integrated into the printing system, allowing for real-time adaptation during roll changes without additional measurement devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual measurement and entry of paper thickness is used, then encoder setup can be adjusted, but productivity is reduced due to manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaper thickness measurementVSAvoidroll change speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-measurement of paper thickness using an integrated measuring device that automatically detects and records the thickness without human intervention. The controller automatically processes this data to adjust encoder setup parameters, enabling the system to configure itself during roll changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring device measures paper thickness in advance before the printing process begins. This preliminary measurement allows the controller to pre-calculate and set the appropriate encoder parameters, so that when a roll change occurs, the system is already prepared with the correct setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If encoder setup is not matched to paper thickness, then printing can continue, but print quality deteriorates due to incorrect timing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting continuityVSAvoidprint quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a measuring device to continuously monitor paper thickness and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller automatically adjusts encoder setup parameters based on this feedback, ensuring the timing remains synchronized with the actual paper thickness even during continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automated roll change is implemented, then productivity increases, but measurement accuracy may be compromised without additional devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroll change automationVSAvoidthickness measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring device serves multiple functions: it measures paper thickness for encoder setup, validates paper specifications, and provides data for web tension adjustment. This multi-functionality allows automated roll changes to maintain measurement accuracy without requiring separate dedicated measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11230117B2Method for adjusting a setup for an encoder for printing to a recording medium of unknown thickness with a multi-row inkjet print head in a printing system

Publication Date: 2022.01.25 CANON PRODN PRINTING HLDG BV

AI summary

In a method for adjusting a setup for an encoder for printing to a recording medium of unknown thickness with a multi-row inkjet print head in a printing system, a continuous test line is printed onto the recording medium, transversal to a feed direction of said recording medium, a varied width of the test line is measured, and the adjustment of the setup is modified to minimize the width of the test line.