Free-Ranging Printer for Step Edge Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers are limited in their ability to print on angled surfaces like step edges of public buildings, requiring skill and potentially detaching over time, posing aesthetic and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A 'free-ranging' printer with two interconnected print sections, a motor, and sensors that can be applied to step edges, allowing simultaneous printing on both horizontal and vertical faces using inkjet printheads with independent track systems and encoders for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If banners and strips are applied to step surfaces, then advertising purposes are achieved, but alignment precision deteriorates and detachment risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical application of banners and strips with an automated inkjet printing system. The printer uses computer-controlled inkjet printheads to directly print advertisements onto the step surfaces, eliminating the need for manual alignment and physical application skills. The system achieves precise alignment through automated positioning mechanisms and digital design placement.
2Reliability
If banners and strips are applied to step surfaces, then advertising purposes are achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical banners and strips that are prone to detachment with direct inkjet printing on the step surfaces. The ink is applied directly to the substrate, creating a permanent or semi-permanent advertisement that cannot detach. This eliminates reliability issues associated with physical application methods while maintaining advertising effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional printers are used, then printing capability is achieved, but adaptability deteriorates for complex surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic printer design where the printhead assembly can move independently along tracks mounted on the step structure. The system includes motorized positioning mechanisms that allow the printhead to traverse horizontal, vertical, and angled surfaces. This dynamic configuration enables the same printer to adapt to various step geometries without requiring different printer models or complex reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal printing system that can handle multiple surface types (horizontal treads, vertical risers, angled edges) with a single device configuration. The printer incorporates adjustable arms, movable printheads, and programmable positioning that allow it to perform multiple printing functions across different geometries, eliminating the need for specialized printers for each surface type.
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 efficient, skill-free printing on complex surfaces like steps, ensuring consistent alignment and durability of prints, reducing the risk of detachment and enhancing safety and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The track can incorporate encoders, such as optical or magnetic encoders, so that the position of the printhead along the rails can be determined and fed back to the controller.
Implementation Method 2
The track can incorporate encoders, such as optical or magnetic encoders, so that the position of the printhead along the rails can be determined and fed back to the controller.
Implementation Method 3
a sensor for detecting the proximity of the vertical face of the step
Data Source
AI summary
A printer has first and second print sections 100, 200 joined along a line 12, and a controller 50. Each section contains a printhead 120; 220 travelling on a track 110; 210. A frame or frame part 104 supports the track and is driven on wheels by a motor, so that the printer can travel autonomously along a horizontally extending step edge, printing as it goes. It further includes a sensor for detecting the proximity of the vertical face 5v of the step. The printer can thus be set to print advertising, for instance, on the steps of a stadium.