Single-pass double-sided image transfer system for card printers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional long edge leading (LEL) card printers face inefficiencies due to paused encoding techniques and multi-pass double-sided printing operations, which slow down the printing process and increase complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single-pass double-sided image transfer system with a cross feed media processing architecture that allows for simultaneous image transfer to both sides of media cards using an intermediate transfer media and thermal compression rollers, eliminating the need for multiple printing heads and media flipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If paused LEL card encoding technique is used, then encoding can be performed on media cards, but printing speed decreases due to pausing
Solution Approach 1:
The media card is encoded before the printing operation begins. The card is fed to the encoding station, positioned in LEL orientation, and the magnetic strip is encoded while the card is moving through the encoder without pausing. This preliminary encoding action eliminates the need to pause during the printing process, thereby maintaining printing speed while ensuring reliable encoding.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-pass double-sided printing operation is used, then both sides of media cards can be printed, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The double-sided printing process is segmented into two independent simultaneous operations. A first printing head prints to the first side of the media card while a second printing head prints to the second side of the media card at the same time. This segmentation of the printing function across multiple heads operating in parallel eliminates the sequential multi-pass approach, reducing processing time while maintaining full double-sided printing capability.
3Productivity
If LEL orientation is used, then printing speed is faster compared to SEL, but encoding requires pausing
Solution Approach 1:
Encoding is performed as a preliminary action before printing in the LEL orientation. The media card is fed through the encoding station in LEL orientation, allowing the magnetic strip to be encoded during continuous motion without pausing. This preliminary encoding in LEL orientation maintains the printing speed advantage while eliminating the encoding pause problem.
4Adaptability or versatility
If media flipping is performed for double-sided printing, then both sides can be printed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printing function is segmented between two printing heads positioned to print on opposite sides of the media card simultaneously. This eliminates the need for media flipping mechanisms, as each printing head operates independently on its respective side. The segmentation of the printing function across space rather than time simplifies the media handling mechanism while maintaining double-sided printing capability.
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 reduces print times, minimizes media shuttling, and simplifies the printing process, resulting in faster and more reliable operations compared to traditional LEL printers.
Implementation Method 1
a transfer station structured to compress the intermediate transfer media against the media card thereby transferring the printed image from the intermediate transfer media to the media card
Implementation Method 2
The transfer station 40 is comprised of a heated roller 44 that is opposed by an idler roller 47. The media card 15 is coextensively aligned with a printed portion of the intermediate thermal transfer media 43 at the transfer station 40. The heated roller 44 engages the intermediate thermal transfer media 43 to impart a printed image to a first surface of the media card 15
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a printing assembly incorporating an improved double-sided image transfer station. The present disclosure also described a product processing apparatus including a cross processing architecture. The single-pass double-sided image transfer station and cross feed processing architectures described herein provide numerous advantages over prior art product processing devices. In particular, the single-pass double-sided image transfer station provides for reduced print times, less shuttling of the product during printing, and a less complex, therefore more reliable printing operation overall. The cross feed architecture provides an efficient processing path for the product through the device and facilitates processing modularization.