Printer Laminating Module With Film-Sensed Heat and Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser printers lack a built-in laminating function, necessitating the purchase of a separate laminating device, which is infrequently used and occupies additional space, and their heating components are not optimized for laminating plastic films.
Innovation Solution
A printer with integrated laminating functionality, featuring a pressurizing and heating module controlled by a process unit in response to a plastic film sensor, allowing precise temperature and pressure settings for laminating plastic films.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate laminating device is added to perform laminating operations, then the laminating function is achieved, but the device occupies additional space and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laminating function with the existing printer by integrating a laminating unit into the printer body. The laminating unit includes a laminating roller and a heating element that are incorporated into the printer's existing structure, allowing the printer to perform both printing and laminating operations without requiring a separate laminating device.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer is designed with multi-functionality by enabling it to perform both printing and laminating operations. The heating element and pressurizing mechanism are configured to serve dual purposes: fixing toner during printing and activating the laminating adhesive during laminating operations, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated laminating device.
2Device complexity
If the printer's heating component is used for laminating, then space is saved, but the heating temperature and pressure are not optimized for laminating plastic films
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of heating temperature and pressurizing force based on the detected material type. When a plastic film is detected, the process unit adjusts the heating temperature to a higher range suitable for plastic film laminating and increases the pressurizing force accordingly. For regular paper printing, the heating and pressure parameters remain at standard printing levels, ensuring optimal performance for each operation type.
Solution Approach 2:
The process unit changes the operational parameters of the heating element and pressurizing mechanism based on the material being processed. When plastic film is detected, the heating temperature is increased to melt the plastic film adhesive effectively, and the pressurizing force is adjusted to ensure proper adhesion. This parameter adjustment ensures high-quality laminating results while preventing damage to the plastic film.
3Manufacturing precision
If the heating temperature is increased for plastic film laminating, then adhesion is improved, but overheating may damage the plastic film or paper
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where a sensor detects the presence of plastic film and sends a signal to the process unit. The process unit then adjusts the heating temperature and pressurizing force accordingly. After the laminating operation is complete, the system automatically returns to standard printing parameters, preventing overheating and damage to the plastic film or paper.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the material type before initiating the heating and pressurizing processes. When plastic film is detected, the process unit pre-configures the heating temperature and pressurizing force to appropriate levels for plastic film laminating, ensuring optimal adhesion while preventing overheating damage.
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
Enables efficient and space-saving laminating operations within a laser printer by optimizing heating and pressure settings for laminating plastic films, enhancing material detection accuracy, and ensuring proper adhesion without overheating or underheating issues.
Implementation Method 1
a plastic film sensor disposed on the printer body and arranged corresponding to at least one of the paper feeding port and the paper feeding tray, and the plastic film sensor generates a plastic film signal when sensing the laminating plastic film
Implementation Method 2
the process unit controls a heating temperature and a laminating pressure of the pressurizing and heating module after receiving the plastic film signal
Implementation Method 3
the process unit controls a heating temperature and a laminating pressure of the pressurizing and heating module
Implementation Method 4
a laser printer has a heating component and a pressurizing roller to make carbon powders be melted and fixed on a piece of paper
Data Source
AI summary
A printer with a laminating function, which is applied with a laminating plastic film, includes: a printer body having a printing passageway, a paper feeding port communicating with the printing passageway, and a paper feeding tray and a paper feeding wheel set; the laminating plastic film is conveyed to the printing passageway by passing the paper feeding tray and the paper feeding port; a pressurizing and heating module disposed in the printing passageway to heat and laminate the laminating plastic film; a plastic film sensor generating a plastic film signal when sensing the laminating plastic film; a process unit electrically connected to the pressurizing and heating module and the plastic film sensor; the process unit controls a heating temperature and a laminating pressure of the pressurizing and heating module after receiving the plastic film signal.