Foil Transfer Apparatus Movable Detection Jig

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional foil transfer apparatuses face limitations in flexibility due to interference between the detection jig and the transfer tool, restricting the placement of transfer objects and requiring adjustments in object position or transfer data.

Innovation Solution

A foil transfer apparatus with a detachable detection jig that can be positioned anywhere on the support base, allowing for flexible placement of transfer objects by overlapping with the transfer region, and a controller that determines the presence of the pressing body using detectors and a reference length, enabling precise detection and adaptation to different object shapes and foil image data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a detection jig is fixed at a predetermined position to detect the pressing body, then the detection function is ensured, but the flexibility in placement of transfer objects is reduced due to interference between the detection jig and transfer tool

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection functionVSAvoidflexibility in placement of transfer object
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The detection jig is made movable along the transfer region instead of being fixed at a predetermined position. This allows the detection jig to dynamically adjust its position to avoid interfering with the transfer tool while maintaining its detection function, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable detection and placement flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The detection function is separated from the transfer tool by using an independent, movable detection jig. This segmentation allows the detection jig to operate independently at different positions, enabling both reliable detection and flexible transfer object placement without mutual interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the detection jig overlaps with the transfer region to enable detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but interference with the transfer tool occurs, requiring changes in object position or transfer data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidneed to change object position or transfer data
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection jig can move to different positions within the transfer region, allowing it to maintain detection accuracy by overlapping with the transfer region when needed, while avoiding interference with the transfer tool by repositioning when the transfer tool is present, eliminating the need to change object position or transfer data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the detection jig is fixed to ensure stable detection, then detection reliability is maintained, but the ability to adapt to different transfer object shapes and foil image data is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidadaptation to different object shapes and foil image data
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The movable detection jig can be repositioned according to different transfer object shapes and foil image data requirements, providing adaptability while maintaining detection reliability through consistent detection functionality at various positions within the transfer region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design enhances flexibility in placing transfer objects by allowing the detection jig to be positioned according to the object's shape or foil image data, preventing interference and ensuring accurate detection of the pressing body's presence, thereby improving the transfer process.

Implementation Method 1

a first detector to detect a first height position of the transfer tool in the top-bottom direction when the transfer tool is lowered and partially brought into contact with the detection jig

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPosition detection:

Implementation Method 2

a second detector to detect a second position of the transfer tool in the top-bottom direction when the transfer tool is lowered and partially brought into contact with the detection jig at a second position at which the pressing body does not overlap with the detection jig in plan view and at least a portion of the case body overlaps with the detection jig in plan view

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPosition detection:

Implementation Method 3

a determiner to determine whether the pressing body is present or not based on the reference length, the first height position, and the second height position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLength comparison:

Implementation Method 4

the thermal transfer foil is heated by applying light with the thermal transfer foil being pressed from above with a transfer tool including a light source for applying light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight heating: Light

Implementation Method 5

the adhesive layer in a pressed portion of the thermal transfer foil is melted and attached to the surface of the transfer object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 6

and then is cured by heat dissipation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Cooling

Data Source

PatentUS11305524B2Foil transfer apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.04.19 DGSHAPE CORP
  • US11305524B2 patent drawing
  • US11305524B2 patent drawing
  • US11305524B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A foil transfer apparatus includes a support base on which a transfer object can be placed, a transfer tool including a pressing body to press the transfer object and a thermal transfer foil, to apply light to the thermal transfer foil, and to be movable in a transfer region having a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape in plan view, a pressing body moving mechanism to move the transfer tool relative to the support base, a detection jig detachably attachable to the support base, to overlap the transfer region in plan view when attached to the support base, and to be used to detect whether the pressing body is present or not, and a controller to control the transfer tool and the pressing body moving mechanism.