Packaging Printing Position Sensing and Digital Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing methods for carrier elements, such as packaging, face challenges in achieving precise alignment and printing accuracy, especially with large or heavy surfaces, due to potential deviations from the target position, which can result in suboptimal print quality and increased processing time.
Innovation Solution
A method that senses the position of the carrier element, adjusts the information alignment based on this position, and uses a reference element to ensure precise printing, either by modifying the information's position in a file or adjusting the carrier element's position, utilizing a computing unit and optical sensors for accurate detection and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the position of the carrier element is sensed and alignment information is adjusted in a file, then printing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensing and computing components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy or model of the carrier element's actual position through sensing, then uses this copied position information to adjust the alignment data in the file. This allows the system to work with a representation rather than physically moving heavy carrier elements, improving precision while managing complexity through information processing rather than mechanical adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a mechanical positioning system with an information-based system. Instead of using complex mechanical devices to physically reposition the carrier element or printing head, the system senses the actual position and compensates by adjusting alignment parameters in the digital file, substituting mechanical complexity with computational processing.
2Manufacturing precision
If the position of the carrier element is sensed and alignment is adjusted, then printing accuracy is improved, but processing time increases due to additional sensing and alignment steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs position sensing and alignment adjustment in advance, before the actual printing operation begins. By determining the correct alignment parameters beforehand and storing them in the file, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming adjustments during printing, thus improving accuracy without significantly increasing overall processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates position sensing and alignment adjustment as continuous processes that occur seamlessly before printing begins. Rather than treating these as separate, time-consuming steps, the system continuously monitors and adjusts alignment parameters, ensuring that the printing process can proceed immediately with the pre-calculated correct positioning information.
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 enables precise and efficient printing of carrier elements, particularly those with large surface areas or high weights, reducing production time and costs while ensuring high-quality output, and allows for flexible and user-friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
The position of the reference element can be determined by means of an optical sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention proposes a method for printing at least one carrier element (10), in particular at least one pack, comprising at least one printing operation, wherein in one step a position of the at least one carrier element (10) is sensed, in a further step at least one piece of information (14, 16, 18, 20) is oriented on the basis of the sensed position of the at least one carrier element (10), wherein the at least one piece of information (14, 16, 18, 20) is stored in at least one file, and in at least one further step the at least one piece of information (14, 16, 18, 20) is printed onto the carrier element (10).