Lenticular Lens Printing With Accurate Layer Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies struggle to achieve efficient laminated printing of lenticular lenses with accurate positioning of the lens layer relative to the image layer.
Innovation Solution
A printing device and method utilizing a printing head with nozzles for color and transparent inks, a curing device, and a control unit to execute multi-layer printing, where the transparent ink is ejected and cured in specific directions to form a lenticular lens layer accurately positioned with respect to the image layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional printing methods are used for lenticular lens printing, then printing can be performed on image layers, but the lens layer cannot be accurately positioned with respect to the image layer and printing efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the printing process into distinct segments: printing the image layer first, then printing the lens layer separately with precise positioning. The lens layer is printed using transparent ink that is cured immediately, separating the lens formation process from the image printing process, thereby achieving both accuracy and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by printing and curing the image layer completely before printing the lens layer. This ensures the image layer is stable and serves as a reliable base for subsequent lens layer positioning, preventing misalignment and improving overall printing accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If transparent ink is ejected and cured immediately during lens layer formation, then positioning accuracy is improved, but additional curing device requirements increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the curing function into the printing head assembly itself, combining the printing mechanism and curing device into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate curing equipment while achieving immediate ink curing for precise lens layer positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing head is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an ink ejection device and as a curing device. The same apparatus that deposits the transparent ink also cures it immediately, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
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 and accurate positioning of the lens layer with respect to the image layer, allowing for high-quality laminated printing of lenticular lenses.
Implementation Method 1
a curing device, the nozzle ejecting an ink including a color ink and a transparent ink, and the curing device curing the ink that has been ejected from the nozzle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
Figure 4
AI summary
A printing device forms an image layer by printing with a color ink a composite image obtained by dividing a plurality of original images in a sub-scanning direction and combining the divided plurality of original images, forms an intermediate layer by printing on the image layer with a transparent ink a solid-printing image, and forms a lens layer by printing on the intermediate layer with the transparent ink a lens image consisting of a plurality of long lenses extending in a main scanning direction and aligned in the sub-scanning direction correspondingly to the composite image. When the lens layer is formed, the printing head ejects the transparent ink onto a recording medium while the printing head is moving in the main scanning direction, and the transparent ink on the recording medium is cured by the curing device.