Printing Apparatus Prepositioning During Maintenance Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies face inefficiencies in productivity due to maintenance operations interfering with printing operations, leading to downtime and requiring operators to wait until the apparatus is ready for printing again.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus and method that allows print instructions to be received and processed even during maintenance, enabling the conveyor to move the medium to the print start position and resume printing upon completion of maintenance, with error detection and display for immediate operation resumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If maintenance operation is performed during printing operation, then printing device can be maintained, but printing throughput decreases due to downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing system into independent functional modules: a printing device that can be maintained independently, a conveyor system that continues to transport media, and a controller that coordinates operations. This allows maintenance to occur without completely stopping the printing process, as the conveyor can continue operating with the printing device in a maintained state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by allowing the conveyor to transport media to the printing position before the printing device is ready for printing. The system receives print instructions and positions media in advance, then resumes printing when the printing device is ready, eliminating idle wait time and maintaining continuous throughput during maintenance operations.
2Productivity
If print instruction is received during busy state, then operator wait time increases, but productivity improves through continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by receiving and queuing print instructions during the printing device's busy state. The controller stores these instructions and automatically executes them when the printing device becomes available, eliminating operator wait time while maintaining continuous operation. The conveyor simultaneously positions media in advance, ready for immediate printing when the device is ready.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the controller, which monitors the printing device's status and automatically resumes printing operations when ready. The system receives print instructions, queues them during busy periods, and automatically executes them when the printing device transitions from busy to available state, ensuring continuous operation without operator intervention.
3Productivity
If conveyor moves holder to print start position during busy state, then printing can resume immediately, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the conveyor system to perform multiple functions: it transports media during normal printing operations, continues to transport media during printing device maintenance, and positions media for immediate printing when the device becomes ready. This multi-functional conveyor system eliminates the need for separate positioning mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while enabling rapid printing resumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the controller, which automatically manages the printing process without operator intervention. The controller monitors the printing device's status, receives print instructions during busy periods, queues them appropriately, and automatically resumes printing when ready. The conveyor system similarly operates autonomously, continuously positioning media without requiring manual control, thereby reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes: a holder configured to hold a medium; a conveyor configured to convey the holder; a printing device configured to print on the medium conveyed by the conveyor in response to a reception of a print instruction; and circuitry configure to: maintain the printing device in a busy state; receive the print instruction in the busy state; control the conveyor to start conveying the holder to a print start position in response to a reception of the print instruction in the busy state; hold the holder at the print start position in the busy state; and control the printing device to start printing on the medium in response to a release of the printing device from the busy state.