Integrated Flatbed Printer Cutting and Creasing for Precise Registration

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Solution Overview

Problem

State-of-the-art printers require separate machines for cutting and creasing operations after printing, leading to registration issues, increased workflow steps, and space requirements due to large machinery.

Innovation Solution

Integrating a cutting tool and creasing wheel into a flatbed printer allows for simultaneous printing, cutting, and creasing, eliminating the need for secondary processing machines and reducing workflow steps and space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If separate cutting and creasing machines are used after printing, then cutting and creasing operations can be performed, but registration problems occur and workflow is slowed down

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregistration accuracyVSAvoidworkflow speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines cutting and creasing functions directly into the printer system, allowing all operations (printing, cutting, creasing) to be performed in a single integrated workflow on the same equipment, eliminating registration issues and reducing transfer time between machines

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If separate cutting and creasing machines are used, then cutting and creasing can be performed, but processing delays occur due to additional transfer steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges cutting and creasing capabilities into the printer itself, creating a single-step process that eliminates the need to transfer media between separate machines, thereby reducing processing time and simplifying the overall workflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate cutting and creasing machines are used, then finishing operations can be completed, but considerable floor space is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefinishing capabilityVSAvoidfloor space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional printer that performs printing, cutting, and creasing operations in one device, eliminating the need for separate dedicated machines and thereby reducing the total floor space required for the finishing operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250303756A1Flatbed printer with integrated creasing and cutting

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING INC

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention add a cutting tool and a creasing wheel to a flatbed printer. This reduces workflow steps, allows cutting and creasing without having to re-register image/media, and reduces required floor space for small shops.