Programmable Endorser Using Elastomeric Foam Stamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of inkjet printing systems in compact, desktop document processors for check endorsement have made them unaffordable for smaller and cheaper machines, as the proprietary cartridge-based designs lead to high replacement costs, making inkjet printing less attractive for slower and cheaper check-processing devices.
Innovation Solution
A compact, desktop document processor with a programmable endorser using self-inking printing devices made of elastomeric foam with a selectively-permeable outer membrane, capable of building alphanumeric characters from multiple chordal segments, driven by a programmable rotary actuator, offering a low-cost alternative to inkjet printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If inkjet printing is used for check endorsement, then high-speed printing capability is achieved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex inkjet printing system with a self-inking stamp mechanism. The stamp contains ink reservoirs integrated into the stamp body itself, eliminating the need for inkjet cartridges, printheads, and associated control systems. This mechanical substitution dramatically simplifies the printing system while maintaining adequate endorsement speed for check processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable self-inking stamps that can be replaced when worn or depleted. These stamps are much cheaper than inkjet printing systems and their simple construction allows for low-cost replacement. The stamps contain built-in ink reservoirs and printing surfaces that wear over time, at which point the entire stamp is replaced rather than servicing complex printing components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If inkjet printing is used for check endorsement, then programmable endorsement capability is provided, but replacement cartridge costs become prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the endorsement system into separate functional components: reusable programmable control units and disposable stamp modules. The programmable aspect resides in the control unit that can be programmed with endorsement patterns, while the physical stamp is a simple mechanical component. This segmentation allows the expensive programmable functionality to be reused while the cheap disposable stamps handle the actual printing, dramatically reducing ongoing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal stamp design that can be programmed or configured for different endorsement patterns. A single stamp mechanism can serve multiple endorsement functions by changing the stamp face or programming the control unit, eliminating the need for multiple specialized inkjet cartridges. The stamp body itself can be made universal with interchangeable printing faces.
3Volume of moving object
If check processing machines are made smaller and cheaper, then desktop compactness is achieved, but inkjet printing becomes less attractive due to speed mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic stamp replacement system where stamps can be quickly changed or reconfigured based on processing needs. The stamp mechanism is designed to be actuated by the moving check, with the stamp making contact during the natural transport cycle. This dynamic approach allows the compact machine to maintain adequate processing speed without requiring high-speed printing capability, as the stamp contacts the check briefly during each pass.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective and programmable endorsement capability without the need for inkjet printing, suitable for smaller machines, reducing the overall cost of ownership and enabling early endorsement capture in the check truncation process.
Implementation Method 1
self-inking printing devices made of elastomeric foam with a selectively-permeable outer membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A document processor receives a document to be processed and captures data from the document. The document processor includes a plurality of processing devices and conveys documents past the plurality of processing devices to allow the processing devices to perform operations on the documents. A programmable endorser prints an endorsement on a document as the document is processed. The programmable endorser includes a plurality of character segments in the form of various shapes such that the endorsement is printed by building characters from the character segments.