Movable Print Head for High-Resolution Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing technologies for achieving high-resolution, photorealistic prints with functional properties are time-consuming and costly due to the need for multiple print heads and sequential printing processes, and they require the printing medium to dry before reapplication, limiting efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A printing device with a modular design featuring multiple print heads and a closed transport path allows for simultaneous movement of print modules relative to the print medium, enabling high-resolution printing on both sides without the need for additional print heads or complex alignment, and includes heating or UV curing for rapid drying of applied media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple print heads are installed in a staggered manner to achieve high resolution, then printing resolution is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable print head that can be positioned at different locations along the transport direction. Instead of installing multiple fixed print heads in a staggered arrangement, a single print head is moved dynamically to different positions during the printing process. This dynamic positioning allows the same print head to print on different sections of the substrate, achieving high resolution without the complexity of multiple staggered print heads.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple print heads are installed to achieve high resolution, then printing resolution is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single movable print head instead of multiple fixed print heads. This reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to purchase, install, and maintain multiple expensive print heads. The movable print head is repositioned during operation to achieve the resolution that would otherwise require multiple staggered print heads, providing a cost-effective solution.
3Manufacturing precision
If printing medium is applied multiple times to the same location, then printing quality is improved, but printing time increases due to drying requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the print head to different locations along the transport direction for successive printing passes. Instead of printing multiple times on the same location and waiting for drying, the movable print head prints on different sections of the substrate that are continuously transported. This eliminates the need to wait for drying between passes, significantly reducing total printing time while maintaining quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous printing by moving the print head to different locations and continuously transporting the substrate. Multiple printing passes are performed without interruption, as the substrate is continuously fed through the printing zone. This eliminates idle drying time and maintains continuous productive action throughout the printing process.
4Reliability
If functional printing medium is applied and must dry before reapplication, then adhesion and quality are improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a movable print head that prints on different locations along the transport direction. Functional printing medium is applied to different sections of the substrate in sequence as they pass through the printing zone, rather than applying multiple layers to the same location. This allows each application to adhere properly without requiring extended drying time before the next application, maintaining both adhesion quality and productivity.
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 reduces printing time and costs by increasing resolution and throughput while allowing for rapid reapplication of printing medium, enabling efficient production of high-quality security and value documents.
Implementation Method 1
The printing device according to the invention also includes at least one heating device (7), which transfers thermal energy (12) to the print medium (40)
Implementation Method 2
heating or UV curing for rapid drying of applied media
Implementation Method 3
providing at least one cold UV curing assembly moveable with the printhead and configured to emit UV radiation onto the surface of the substrate to freeze the dispensed ink on the surface and to substantially cure the ink
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a printing apparatus for applying a printing medium to at least one printing substrate, wherein the printing apparatus (1) comprises at least one first printing module (2), wherein the first printing module (2) comprises at least one printing head (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e), wherein the printing apparatus (1) comprises at least one printing substrate holder (5), wherein the first printing module (2) can be moved in a printing direction (4) relative to the at least one printing substrate holder (5) of the printing apparatus (1), wherein the first printing module (2) can also be moved transversely to the printing direction (4) relative to the printing substrate holder (5) of the printing apparatus (1), wherein the printing substrate holder can also be moved along a closed path. The invention further relates to a method for applying a printing medium.