Ink Jet Print Head Forming Substrate Alignment Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aligning substrates in ink jet printers, such as using retractable pins or adhesive plastic cards, are either expensive or cumbersome and lack precision for forming alignment tabs on the print surface.
Innovation Solution
The method involves directly printing alignment tabs onto the print surface using the ink jet print head, allowing for precise control of their position and shape within the printer's control system, and enabling easy removal or repositioning as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If retractable pins are used to form alignment tabs, then the alignment tabs can be formed in fixed positions, but the solution is relatively expensive and limited in positioning flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical retractable pin system with an ink jet printing system. Instead of using physical mechanical components to form alignment tabs, the invention uses a print head to deposit ink layers that form the alignment tabs directly on the print surface. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive mechanical components while enabling flexible positioning through software control of the print head.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of the alignment tab formation from a fixed mechanical structure to a variable ink deposition process. By controlling the print head to deposit ink at different positions and forming multiple layers, the system can create alignment tabs at various locations on the print surface, transforming a fixed positioning system into an adaptable one.
2Ease of operation
If adhesive plastic cards are used for alignment tabs, then positioning is possible, but it is cumbersome to position the alignment tabs with sufficient accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the print head automatically deposit alignment tabs at precisely calculated positions based on substrate information. The system uses its own print head and control system to create the alignment tabs, eliminating the need for manual positioning operations and external adhesive cards. The control system automatically determines tab positions based on substrate shape and desired alignment.
3Measurement precision
If alignment tabs are printed directly on the print surface, then precise control of position and shape is achieved, but the tabs must be manually removed when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable alignment tabs formed by ink layers that can be easily removed. These ink-based alignment tabs are designed to be temporary and removable, unlike permanent mechanical components. When no longer needed, the tabs can be scraped off the print surface, and the print surface is ready for the next printing task without leaving permanent modifications.
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 approach provides a more accurate and convenient method for substrate alignment, enabling efficient and precise placement of substrates for 2D, 2.5D, and 3D printing applications, with the ability to adapt tab positions based on substrate shape and image features, enhancing print quality and process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the ink is deposited directly on the print surface of the printer, thus forming a tab in the form of an ink layer that adheres to the print surface
Implementation Method 2
the first ten layers of ink may be printed with drops that have a volume of 6 pl. Then, these first ten layers are superposed by about 30 layers that are formed by drops with a larger volume, increasing to a maximum of e.g. 30 pi for the topmost layer or layers
Implementation Method 3
Certain types of ink jet printers, e.g. printers that are operated with UV-curable ink, are capable of forming ink dots in which the ink forms a layer with a non-negligible thickness on the surface of the substrate
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of forming substrate alignment tabs (24) on a print surface (14) of a printer (10) having an ink jet print head (18) that is capable of relief printing, characterized in that the print head (18) is used for printing the tabs (24) directly onto the print surface (14).