Printing apparatus, printing system and printing method for printing apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printing technologies face issues with banding, which is the formation of streaks during the printing of background images due to variations in printer transport accuracy, particularly in inkjet recording devices.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus and system that combines dyeing and liquid ejection, using a transport belt to support the medium, a liquid ejecting unit to eject ink, and a dyeing unit to immerse the medium in dyeing liquid, along with a drying mechanism to address banding by integrating dyeing and ejection processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If background image printing is performed by ejecting liquid from a scanned head, then printing capability is achieved, but banding occurs due to transport accuracy variations
Solution Approach 1:
The printing process is segmented into two distinct units: a liquid ejecting unit for precise dot placement and a dyeing unit for continuous background coverage. This segmentation allows each unit to optimize its function, preventing banding in the background areas while maintaining printing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two previously separate processes (liquid ejection printing and fabric dyeing) into a single integrated printing apparatus. The liquid ejecting unit and dyeing unit are combined in one system, allowing the background to be dyed continuously while patterns are applied via liquid ejection, eliminating banding issues.
2Manufacturing precision
If a dedicated dyeing unit is added to the printing apparatus, then banding is suppressed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning liquid storage unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a cleaning liquid reservoir and a dyeing liquid storage unit. This universal design allows the same storage infrastructure to support both cleaning operations and dyeing operations, reducing the need for separate dedicated tanks and simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the cleaning unit and dyeing unit into a single integrated system where the storage infrastructure is shared. The cleaning liquid storage unit can store either cleaning liquid or dyeing liquid, and the same pumping and delivery mechanisms serve both functions, thereby reducing device complexity despite adding dyeing capability.
3Device complexity
If cleaning liquid storage unit is used to store dyeing liquid, then device complexity is reduced, but liquid contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements feedback control to manage the cleaning liquid storage unit's contents. Based on operational mode (cleaning or dyeing), the control unit activates appropriate pumps and controls liquid flow, ensuring that cleaning liquid and dyeing liquid are never mixed. This feedback mechanism prevents contamination while allowing shared storage infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that manages the shared cleaning liquid storage unit. It coordinates between the cleaning pump and dyeing pump, controlling which pump draws liquid from the storage unit at any given time. This intermediary control prevents direct mixing of cleaning and dyeing liquids while enabling resource sharing.
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 solution effectively suppresses banding, enabling high-quality printing by combining dyeing and ejection processes, allowing for fine image generation and reduced environmental impact through the reuse of ink as dyeing liquid.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid ejecting unit configured to eject liquid onto a medium supported by the support unit
Implementation Method 2
a dyeing unit configured to perform dyeing by immersing a medium in dyeing liquid
Implementation Method 3
a drying mechanism configured to dry both a medium printed by the liquid ejecting unit and a medium dyed by the dyeing unit
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a glue belt as an example of a transport belt including a support unit configured to support a medium, the support unit being configured to transport a medium by moving the support unit, a liquid ejecting unit configured to eject liquid onto a medium supported by the support unit, and a dyeing unit configured to perform dyeing by immersing a medium in dyeing liquid. Printing is performed on the medium by combining dyeing by the dyeing unit and ejecting by the liquid ejecting unit.