Multi-functional Print Mark for Digital Printing Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing printed matter require synchronization of the printing unit and cross cutter, leading to inefficiencies such as high reject rates, limited flexibility in format changes, and delays in the production process due to the need for a single print mark for synchronization and fixed operation speeds.
Innovation Solution
A digital printing unit prints a multi-functional print mark containing information for both the cross cutter and downstream units, allowing for flexible operation and synchronization, reducing the need for tedious synchronization and enabling offline operation of the printed paper web.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single print mark is used for synchronization between printing unit and cross cutter, then the printing unit and cross cutter can be synchronized, but the print mark can only carry one piece of information and requires tedious synchronization procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by encoding multiple types of information (synchronization signals, format data, page numbering, binding instructions) into a single print mark. This allows the print mark to serve multiple purposes simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate synchronization marks and reducing procedural complexity while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by varying the content and structure of the print mark dynamically based on the specific printing task. The print mark can be reconfigured to carry different information combinations, allowing flexible adaptation to various formats and production requirements without changing the physical synchronization mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If the printing unit and cross cutter are synchronized via printed print mark, then cutting position accuracy can be achieved, but misalignment can occur during subsequent process causing cross cutter to deviate from set cutting position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the position of the print mark as it passes through the printing unit and cross cutter. The system uses this real-time position information to dynamically adjust the cross cutter's cutting position, compensating for any deviations or misalignments that occur during the printing process and maintaining consistent cutting accuracy.
3Reliability
If a large number of sheets are printed and fed to cross cutter before synchronization, then synchronization can be achieved, but significant amount of waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-positioning the print mark on the paper web at the exact location where the cross cutter will make its first cut. This allows the system to achieve synchronization immediately upon starting production without needing to print and feed a large number of test sheets, thereby eliminating excessive paper waste while still achieving reliable synchronization.
4Device complexity
If printing unit is designed to print single print mark per sheet, then printing unit structure is simplified, but print mark contains only single piece of information for synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the print mark to contain multiple types of information including synchronization signals, format specifications, page numbering, and binding instructions. This allows a single print mark to control multiple downstream processes and provide comprehensive processing information without requiring additional printing marks or complex printing unit modifications.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a device (1) for producing printed matter, comprising a rolling unit (2) for providing paper to be printed, wherein a printing unit is arranged downstream of the rolling unit (2), which prints the paper, wherein a transverse cutter (4) is arranged downstream of the printing unit, which cuts the endlessly fed printed paper transversely to the feed direction, so that individual printed sheets are provided. According to the invention, a collection unit (5) for collecting the fed sheets is arranged downstream of, in particular, the transverse cutter (4), wherein a feeder unit (6) is arranged downstream of, in particular, the collection unit (5), which aligns the collected sheets, wherein at least one further unit for finishing the printed matter to be produced is arranged downstream of the feeder unit (6), wherein a digital printing unit (3) is used as printing unit, which, per sheet, prints a printing mark on the paper, or wherein a printing mark is present, wherein a reading device detects the information contained in the printing mark. The invention is characterized in that the transverse cutter (4) and the at least one further unit are operated depending on the detected information.