Thermal Transfer Printer De-Curler Exit Path Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal transfer printers require back-feeding of printing paper after de-curling, which complicates the printing process and increases the risk of paper jams and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A thermal transfer printer with a de-curling function is designed to apply heat to an ink ribbon for printing on roll type paper, de-curl the printed paper using a de-curler located on the paper exit path, and then directly discharge the paper without back-feeding, simplifying the process and reducing the risk of paper jams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the de-curler and discharger are located in different directions from the branch point, then the printing paper can be de-curved, but back-feeding is required which complicates the process and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the de-curler and discharger locations by positioning the de-curler on the paper exit path near the discharger. This integration eliminates the need for separate paper path sections and back-feeding operations, simplifying the overall paper handling process while maintaining effective de-curling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of following the conventional approach where the de-curler is positioned separately and requires back-feeding to reach the discharger, the patent inverts the arrangement by placing the de-curler directly on the exit path. This reversal of the traditional paper path configuration eliminates the back-feeding step entirely.
2Productivity
If back-feeding is performed to transfer paper from the de-curler to the discharger, then the paper can be discharged, but the printing efficiency decreases and paper jams increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the back-feeding step from the paper handling process by repositioning the de-curler on the direct exit path. This removal of the redundant back-feeding operation eliminates the associated delays and potential paper jams, directly improving both productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
By positioning the de-curler on the paper exit path, the patent ensures continuous forward motion of the paper from the print head through the de-curler to the discharger. This continuous action eliminates interruptions caused by back-feeding, maintaining steady paper flow and improving printing efficiency.
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
The printer efficiently de-curls and discharges printed roll type paper directly to the user, eliminating the need for back-feeding and enhancing printing efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal transfer printer applies heat to an ink ribbon through a thermal print head (TPH) and thus transfers the dye or pigment applied to the ink ribbon to printing paper fed therein
Implementation Method 2
a de-curler located on at least a given area of the paper exit path and adapted to perform de-curling through which the printing paper is bent to the opposite direction to the curled direction thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a thermal transfer printing device with a de-curling function and, more particularly, to a thermal transfer printing device with a de-curling function, the device applying heat to an ink ribbon so as to print on roll-type printing paper, de-curling the printed printing paper, and then directly providing a user with printed material without back-feeding.