Thermal Transfer Printer Residual Image Erasure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Thermal transfer printers face the challenge of preventing leakage of residual images from used ink ribbons, which is costly to address with existing systems requiring additional transfer devices for fusion.

Innovation Solution

A thermal transfer printing apparatus and method that includes a feed roll, recovery roll, and thermal head, where the used ink ribbon is rewound and subjected to a residual-image erasing process by thermally transferring the color material onto additional printing paper, using disturbance patterns and print density information to regulate energy and tension, eliminating the need for extra transfer mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a second transfer device is added to fuse used ink ribbon regions, then residual image leakage is prevented, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of residual image leakageVSAvoidnumber of transfer devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal head performs dual functions: it serves as both the first transfer device for printing and the second transfer device for fusing residual images. By reusing the same thermal head component for both purposes, the patent eliminates the need for an additional dedicated fusion device, thereby preventing residual image leakage while maintaining simple device configuration and low cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the function of the first transfer device and the second transfer device into a single integrated system. The thermal head is used sequentially for both ink transfer during printing and for fusing residual images on used ribbon, combining what would traditionally require separate devices into one unified component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a second transfer device is added to fuse used ink ribbon, then residual image leakage is prevented, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of residual image leakageVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal head serves itself by performing both printing and fusion functions. Instead of requiring a separate fusion device, the existing thermal head is utilized for both operations, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional manufacturing expenses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the thermal head is used for both printing and fusion, then device complexity is reduced, but the thermal head undergoes more thermal cycles increasing wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of transfer devicesVSAvoidthermal head lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fusion process uses thermal energy at or slightly above printing temperatures for limited durations focused on specific ribbon regions. This partial application of thermal cycles, rather than continuous high-temperature operation, minimizes cumulative thermal stress on the thermal head while achieving effective fusion of residual images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The residual images that would otherwise represent security risks are converted into an opportunity to utilize the thermal head's existing thermal capability for a beneficial secondary function. The same thermal mechanism that could cause wear is leveraged to eliminate security vulnerabilities, transforming a potential harm into a useful application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 effectively prevents leakage of residual images at a lower cost with a simple configuration, utilizing existing components to erase residual images without additional equipment, thereby enhancing security and reducing operational expenses.

Implementation Method 1

the thermal head applies heat to the ink ribbon to transfer a dye from the ink ribbon onto the printing paper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a residual-image erasing process is performed, in which the used ink ribbon is fed from the feed roll and a color material is thermally transferred by the thermal head onto second printing paper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10543701B2Thermal transfer printing apparatus and thermal transfer printing method

Publication Date: 2020.01.28 DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO LTD

AI summary

A thermal transfer printing apparatus including a feed roll feeding an ink ribbon during forward rotation, a thermal head performing a printing process that involves thermally transferring a color material onto first printing paper using the ink ribbon fed by the feed roll, and a recovery roll winding up the used ink ribbon during forward rotation, the used ink ribbon being the ink ribbon that has been subjected to the thermal transfer. After the feed roll and the recovery roll are rotated backward to rewind the used ink ribbon onto the feed roll, the used ink ribbon is fed from the feed roll and a color material is thermally transferred by the thermal head onto second printing paper based on a disturbance pattern. Because the disturbance pattern is superimposed on a residual image remaining on the ink ribbon, it is possible to prevent leakage of the residual image.