Multi-Platen Printing Apparatus with Cooperative Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing printing apparatuses for fabrics, operators are required to wait for one printing operation to complete before initiating another, leading to reduced work efficiency due to waiting periods.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with two platens and print heads that allows the second printing operation to be started either after completion or during the first printing process, utilizing a cooperation controller system to coordinate the print heads and platen drive units, enabling continuous operation without operator standby.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple printing operations are performed sequentially on different platens, then images can be formed on multiple pieces of fabric, but the operator must wait for each printing operation to complete before starting the next, reducing work efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the operator to input instructions for the second printing operation in advance, before the first printing operation completes. The cooperation controller system stores this input and automatically initiates the second printing operation when appropriate, eliminating the need for the operator to wait idle and continuously monitor the printing status.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooperation controller system continuously monitors the status of the first printing operation and uses this feedback information to determine when to start the second printing operation. The system adjusts the timing of the second operation based on real-time status information from the first operation, optimizing the workflow.
2Ease of operation
If the operator continuously monitors and manually controls each printing operation, then printing can be performed on multiple platens, but the operator cannot perform other tasks simultaneously due to waiting periods
Solution Approach 1:
The cooperation controller system automatically manages the coordination of multiple printing operations without requiring continuous operator intervention. Once the operator inputs the printing instructions, the system autonomously monitors the printing status and initiates subsequent operations, allowing the operator to perform other tasks independently.
3Productivity
If a single platen is used for printing, then the device is simpler to operate, but the printing throughput is limited by sequential single-piece processing
Solution Approach 1:
The cooperation controller system enables multiple platens to work in a coordinated manner, with each platen capable of independent printing operations. This multi-functional arrangement allows simultaneous processing of multiple fabric pieces, significantly increasing printing throughput while maintaining manageable operational complexity through automated control.
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 configuration reduces waiting periods for operators, allowing for efficient simultaneous printing on multiple fabrics by enabling the second printing operation to begin during or immediately after the first, thus enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a print head to eject inks onto the fabric
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus, having at least two platens, at least one print head, at least one print head drive unit to drive the print head in a main scanning direction, at least two platen drive units to drive the platens in an auxiliary direction, at least one ink cartridge, at least two operation input units to be operated by an operator to instruct the printing apparatus to activate a first printing process and a second printing process respectively, and a cooperation controller system to control the print head, the print head drive unit, the first platen drive unit, and the second platen drive unit to behave in cooperation with one another so that the second printing process is started one of after and during the first printing process when an instruction to start the second printing process is entered whilst the first printing process is in progress, is provided.