Printing Apparatus Dynamic Print Reference Position Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printing apparatuses face difficulties in adjusting their output orientation and printing direction to match the required label orientation on objects conveyed along a conveyor belt, making it complex to achieve the desired label appearance across different object postures.

Innovation Solution

The printing apparatus incorporates a controller that switches between two printing modes, adjusting the print reference position and direction based on the apparatus's posture, allowing it to align the image on the label correctly regardless of the orientation, by setting different ends of the thermal head as the reference position and reversing the printing direction accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the printing apparatus uses a fixed printing direction and reference position, then the printing mechanism is simple, but the label orientation cannot match different object postures on the conveyor belt

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel orientation adaptabilityVSAvoidprinting control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between two printing modes (first printing mode and second printing mode) based on the required label orientation. The controller automatically selects the appropriate printing mode according to the object posture, making the printing direction and reference position adaptable rather than fixed. This resolves the contradiction by enabling versatility through dynamic configuration without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes printing parameters (printing direction and reference position) between two discrete modes. In the first printing mode, the reference position is at one end of the label with printing in a first direction; in the second printing mode, the reference position is at the other end with printing in the opposite direction. This parameter switching enables adaptability to different object postures while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the printing apparatus rotates or reorients to match object posture, then the label orientation matches the object, but the apparatus structure and operation become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposture matching capabilityVSAvoidapparatus operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of physically rotating or reorienting the printing apparatus, the patent dynamically switches between two printing modes controlled by a controller. The system adapts to different object postures through software control rather than mechanical reconfiguration, maintaining ease of operation while achieving posture matching capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces potential mechanical rotation or reorientation mechanisms with a control system that switches between two printing modes. By using electronic control to change printing parameters rather than physical apparatus reconfiguration, the system achieves adaptability while keeping operation simple and avoiding complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the printing direction is changed to match different output orientations, then the label appearance matches requirements, but the printing control becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting direction flexibilityVSAvoidprinting control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements printing direction flexibility by changing the printing direction parameter between two modes: first direction in the first printing mode, and opposite direction in the second printing mode. This discrete parameter switching provides the necessary flexibility while keeping the control system relatively simple, avoiding continuous or multi-level control complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The printing direction is made dynamic through mode switching rather than being fixed. The controller automatically adjusts the printing direction based on the required label orientation, enabling adaptability without requiring complex real-time calculation or adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11794486B2Printing apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

A printing apparatus includes a conveyor configured to convey a sheet along a conveyance path, a print head on the conveyance path, a main scan direction of the print head crossing the conveyance path, and a controller configured to control the print head to, in a first printing mode, set a print reference position to a first end of the print head in the main scan direction and print an image on the sheet from a leading end side of the image, and in a second printing mode, set the print reference position to a second end of the print head in the main scan direction and print the image on the sheet from a trailing end side of the image.