Interchangeable Platen System for Wide Format Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wide format printers face difficulties in consistently achieving good print quality on disparate substrates like paper, textiles, and vinyl due to the need for significant modifications to the platen, limiting their versatility.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an interchangeable platen system with multiple modules, including a gutter-type platen for porous substrates, and an edge guide assembly that can be easily inserted and removed, allowing for adaptation to various substrate types and sizes by replacing platen assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the platen is specially configured for a particular substrate type, then print quality on that substrate is improved, but the printer's versatility to handle different substrate types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The platen system is divided into multiple interchangeable platen assemblies, each optimized for specific substrate types. This segmentation allows the printer to maintain high print quality for each substrate type while achieving versatility through the ability to swap between different platen assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating a universal mounting interface that accepts different platen assemblies. This allows a single printer to perform multiple substrate types effectively, with each platen assembly serving as a specialized module for specific printing needs.
2Manufacturing precision
If significant modifications are made to the platen for different substrates, then print quality consistency is improved, but the complexity and time required for reconfiguration increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the platen into separate, pre-configured assemblies, the system eliminates the need for complex modifications during reconfiguration. Each assembly is pre-engineered for specific substrate types, reducing on-site modification complexity while maintaining print quality consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The platen assemblies are pre-configured and pre-assembled with all necessary components for specific substrate types. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex modifications during operation, allowing quick swapping while maintaining consistent print quality across different substrates.
3Manufacturing precision
If significant modifications are made to the platen for different substrates, then print quality consistency is improved, but the time required for reconfiguration increases
Solution Approach 1:
Platen assemblies are pre-configured and pre-assembled with all necessary components for specific substrate types before being installed in the printer. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid reconfiguration by simply swapping assemblies, eliminating time-consuming modifications while maintaining consistent print quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration through quick-change platen assemblies that can be rapidly swapped between different substrate types. This dynamic capability allows the printer to adapt to different printing needs quickly while maintaining consistent print quality across substrate transitions.
Data Source
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AI summary
An example system for a printer in accordance with the present disclosure is provided. The system comprises a replaceable platen assembly including a group of interchangeable platens (20, 20', 20"), each platen to support a different type of print substrate, and an edge guide associated with the platen assembly, the edge guide for guiding an edge of a print substrate.