Printing Apparatus with Rotating Drum and Segmented Printheads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital drum printing technologies face limitations in printing speed and efficiency, particularly when dealing with media of varying lengths, as they require multiple printheads and result in increased processing time due to the need for linear motion and part loading delays.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves dividing the printing medium into multiple areas and using multiple printheads with equal pitch and length, allowing for synchronized motion and alternating usage to balance printhead utilization, thereby reducing overall printing time and increasing speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple printheads are arranged in a straight line to print different colors, then complete color printing can be achieved, but the printing medium must pass through all printheads along the straight line, increasing the distance and reducing printing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement of printheads to a two-dimensional circular arrangement around the drum. Multiple printheads are positioned at different angular positions around the drum's circumference, allowing simultaneous printing of different colors on the same section of printing medium as it passes by, thereby eliminating the need for the medium to travel through all printheads sequentially.
2Speed
If the printhead and drum move continuously and synchronously at an included angle, then printing speed on a single drum is improved, but the method cannot meet printing requirements for longer printing media
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the printing task into multiple segments by positioning different printheads at different angular positions around the drum. Each printhead is responsible for printing a specific color or section, and they operate simultaneously and independently. This segmentation allows the system to handle printing medium of various lengths effectively, as each printhead works on its designated portion without requiring the entire medium to be processed sequentially.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple printheads are used to print different colors, then complete color printing is achieved, but printing time increases due to sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous simultaneous printing by arranging multiple printheads around the drum so that they all operate at the same time on different color channels. As the printing medium passes through the printing zone, all printheads deposit their respective colors concurrently, eliminating the sequential waiting time that would occur if printheads operated one after another. This continuous parallel action significantly reduces total printing time while maintaining full color capability.
Data Source
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Figure 2b~3a
Figure 3b~4a
AI summary
The present application proposes a printing apparatus, including n printheads (1, 2, 3) arranged along the first direction (11), each printhead communicating with at least two different inks; a printing medium (30) opposing to the printheads, the printing medium configured to rotate around a rotational axis (G) ; a motion controller (52) that controls the motions of the printheads and the printing medium; a printing driver (51) that controls the printing of the printheads; the printing medium being divided into s printing areas (H, J, K) along the first direction, such that each printing area is configured to be printed by a printhead, where s and n are positive integers greater than 1. The printing apparatus and printing method proposed in this invention reduce the relative moving distance between the printheads and the printing medium during the printing process by dividing the printing area into multiple printing areas, thereby reducing the overall printing time and increasing the printing speed.