Printing device and printing method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing devices that print on both sides of fabric face challenges in accurately aligning images on the front and back sides due to low detection capability using visible light, especially with thick fabrics.
Innovation Solution
A printing device equipped with a transport belt having an adhesive layer to support the fabric and an infrared imaging section that captures images of the front surface using infrared rays, allowing for accurate alignment and printing of images on the back surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visible light scanning equipment is used to detect image positions on fabric, then the detection system is simple and cost-effective, but the detection capability and measurement precision are low, especially for thick fabrics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from visible light to infrared light. The infrared imaging section detects image positions on the back surface of fabric by capturing infrared radiation, which can penetrate or transmit through thick fabrics that block visible light. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by improving measurement precision for thick fabrics while maintaining a relatively simple detection system configuration.
2Reliability
If the fabric is transported with the first surface facing the adhesive layer, then the fabric is securely supported during transport, but the detection of image positions on the back surface becomes difficult with visible light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces infrared radiation as an intermediary that can penetrate the fabric to detect image positions on the back surface. The infrared imaging section captures infrared radiation reflected from or transmitted through the fabric to locate images on the back surface, while the fabric remains securely supported on the adhesive layer. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by enabling back surface detection without compromising fabric support stability.
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
The use of infrared imaging enables precise alignment and printing of images on both sides of the fabric, improving the accuracy and quality of double-sided printing.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared imaging section that captures an image of an imaging target provided on the first surface by using infrared rays with respect to the fabric transported by the transport belt
Data Source
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AI summary
A printing device 1 includes a transport belt 5 that transports the fabric M in a transport direction A in a state where the first surface M1 of the fabric M faces the adhesive layer 5a, printing section 101 that prints an image on a second surface M2 of the fabric M transported by the transport belt 5, the second surface M2 being on opposite side than the first surface M1, and an infrared imaging section 30 that captures an image of an imaging target I provided on the first surface M1 by using infrared rays with respect to the fabric M transported by the transport belt 5.