Transfer Printer Ribbon Crosscutting for Secure Image Disposal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers using transfer-type printing face challenges in securely disposing of used ink ribbons, as shredded ink ribbons can be easily restored, posing a risk of information leakage.
Innovation Solution
A printer design that includes a pair of shredding rollers capable of crosscutting the ink ribbon in both the conveyance and width directions, combined with a cutter mechanism to ensure secure disposal and recyclability, while allowing for continuous operation and backfeed operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the used ink ribbon is shredded along the conveyance direction by a shredding roller, then the ink ribbon is cut into smaller pieces, but the original image can still be easily restored by collecting and rearranging the shredded portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies crosscutting action perpendicular to the conveyance direction, transforming one-dimensional shredding into two-dimensional fragmentation. This creates a combination of longitudinal and transverse cuts that produces irregular, non-reconstructible pieces, making it impossible to restore the original image by simple rearrangement.
2Ease of manufacture
If a shredding roller with cutting unit is used to shred the ink ribbon, then the ink ribbon can be disposed of, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shredding function with the existing ink ribbon conveyance system by integrating the crosscutting roller into the conventional printing device structure. This merging approach allows the ink ribbon to be shredded during its normal conveyance cycle without requiring a separate, complex shredding mechanism.
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 design significantly enhances the difficulty of restoring images on used ink ribbons, ensuring secure disposal and facilitating recyclability, while maintaining efficient printing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a second pair of rollers disposed on a downstream side of the first pair of rollers in the conveyance path and capable of crosscutting the ink ribbon
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a first holder for an ink ribbon, a first pair of rollers configured to convey the ink ribbon along a conveyance path, a print head configured to press the ink ribbon against a print medium to print an image on the print medium, and a second pair of rollers disposed on a downstream side of the first pair of rollers in the conveyance path and capable of crosscutting the ink ribbon.