Printing Apparatus Ribbon Panel Waste Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In printing apparatuses using two-side dedicated ribbons, there is a waste of color ribbon panels when printing monochrome data on the frontside and color data on the backside, as the previous color ribbon panel is used for backside printing after starting with a monochrome ribbon panel for the frontside.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a detecting device to determine the position of each ribbon panel, a judging device to assess the next usable panel, and a printing order determining device that compares the type of the next usable panel with the printing data to optimize the printing order on both surfaces, ensuring the correct ribbon panel is used for each surface, thereby minimizing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If printing is started with the monochrome ribbon panel for the backside while passing the color ribbon panel for the frontside, then the monochrome data on the backside can be printed, but the previous color ribbon panel is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary judgment before printing to determine the optimal printing order based on the type of data (monochrome or color) and the position of ribbon panels. By predicting the required ribbon panel type in advance and adjusting the printing sequence accordingly, the system prevents wasting color ribbon panels when monochrome data needs to be printed first.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing order is made dynamic and adaptable rather than fixed. The control unit adjusts the printing sequence between frontside and backside based on real-time detection of ribbon panel positions and judgment of data types, allowing the system to optimize ribbon usage flexibly according to actual printing requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a two-side printing dedicated ink ribbon is used with color and monochrome panels arranged continuously, then both surfaces can be printed, but ribbon panel waste occurs when printing order is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit incorporates feedback mechanisms by detecting the actual position of ribbon panels and comparing it with the planned printing sequence. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts the printing order to match the available ribbon panel types, ensuring optimal usage of both color and monochrome panels across frontside and backside printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the printing order parameter dynamically based on the detected ribbon panel position and data type. By adjusting the sequence of operations (frontside first or backside first) according to the current state of ribbon panels, the system optimizes resource utilization while maintaining two-side printing versatility.
3Ease of operation
If the printing order is fixed regardless of ribbon panel position or data type, then the printing process is simple, but ribbon panel waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting ribbon panel positions and determining optimal printing orders without requiring manual intervention. The control unit independently manages the printing sequence based on detected conditions, maintaining operational simplicity while eliminating ribbon waste through automated optimization.
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 eliminates ribbon panel waste by determining the optimal printing order based on the type of data and ribbon panels, ensuring efficient use of both surfaces' ribbons.
Implementation Method 1
an indirect printing scheme is used in which an image (mirror image) is formed on a transfer film (recording medium) with a thermal head via an ink ribbon
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a printing apparatus without waste of a ribbon panel in using a two-side dedicated ribbon, a printing apparatus 1 capable of printing on both surfaces of a printing medium performs two-side printing using an ink ribbon 41 with a color ribbon panel 41a and monochrome ribbon panel 41b configured in a face sequential manner. At this point, the apparatus detects a position of each ribbon panel, judges a type (color or monochrome) of a next usable nearest ribbon panel of the ink ribbon 41, judges which type of the ribbon panel (color or monochrome) is used for printing data sent from a higher apparatus 201, and compares the type of the next usable nearest ribbon panel with the ribbon panel judged with the printing data to determine the printing order on the printing medium.