Printing Support Partition Layout to Prevent T-Shirt Edge Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing devices contaminate the hung down portions of printing media, such as T-shirts, due to treatment liquids adhering to outer sides of the support portion and transferring onto the hanging parts during the printing process.
Innovation Solution
The printing device incorporates a pair of partition plates extending in the first direction, positioned between the ends of the support portion in the second direction, creating a space where treatment liquids are less likely to adhere, thereby preventing contamination of the hanging parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the base portion is configured to support both ends of the support portion in the width direction, then the treatment liquid can be applied to the entire printing medium, but the treatment liquid adheres to the outer portions of the bottom plate and contaminates the hung down portion of the printing medium
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom plate is segmented into multiple regions by dividing walls that extend from the front and rear ends in the conveyance direction. These dividing walls create separate zones: a treatment liquid application region above the support portion, and a contamination prevention region where the hung down portion is positioned. The dividing walls physically separate the treatment liquid ejection area from the area where contaminated liquid could adhere, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining full coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dividing walls act as intermediary structures between the treatment liquid ejection system and the hung down portion of the printing medium. These walls serve as physical barriers that intercept and contain the treatment liquid within the designated application region, preventing it from reaching the outer portions of the bottom plate where it could contaminate the hung down portion. The intermediary structure allows both functions to coexist without interference.
2Area of stationary object
If the base portion is smaller than the width of the tray, then the structure is more compact, but the hung down portion cannot be received and is exposed to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional planar support structure to a three-dimensional segmented structure by adding dividing walls that extend vertically from the bottom plate. This dimensional addition creates distinct spatial zones without increasing the overall footprint of the base portion. The hung down portion is positioned in a protected three-dimensional space between the support portion and the dividing walls, maintaining compactness while providing contamination protection.
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 partition plates effectively prevent treatment liquids from adhering to the hanging portions of the printing medium, ensuring clean and contamination-free printing.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of partition plates extending in the first direction, the pair of partition plates being disposed between the both ends of the bottom plate in the second direction and between the bottom plate and the support portion in an up-down direction
Data Source
AI summary
A printing device includes: a support portion configured to move in a first direction; a head configured to eject ink onto a printing medium supported by the support portion; an ejector device configured to eject a treatment liquid to a region including at least both ends of the support portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a bottom plate located below the support portion, both ends of the bottom plate being located outside the both ends of the support portion in the second direction; and a pair of partition plates extending in the first direction and disposed between the both ends of the bottom plate in the second direction and between the bottom plate and the support portion in an up-down direction. Inner surfaces of the partition plates are located between the both ends of the support portion in the second direction.