Thermal Transfer Apparatus Peeling Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermal transfer apparatuses often experience malfunctions due to variations in peeling position and tension between the transfer target film and ink ribbon, leading to deviations in transfer position, lateral stripe patterns, and potential breakage of the ink ribbon.

Innovation Solution

A thermal transfer method and apparatus that involves sandwiching the transfer target film and ink ribbon between a thermal head and a platen roller, thermally transferring ink, and then carefully controlling the unwinding and stretching of the ink ribbon while leaving a sticking portion to peel the transfer target film, ensuring stable peeling without malfunctions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a peeling roller is provided downstream from the thermal head and platen roller to peel off the ink ribbon and transfer target film, then the ink ribbon and transfer target film can be separated after thermal transfer, but the peeling position varies due to variations in sticking strength, causing transfer position deviation and lateral stripe patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeeling stabilityVSAvoidtransfer position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by stopping the conveyance of the transfer target film before the peeling process begins. This allows the ink ribbon to be stretched and the sticking portion to be formed under controlled conditions, ensuring that peeling occurs at a consistent position without causing transfer position deviation or lateral stripe patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamics by controlling the tension of the ink ribbon during the peeling process. By stretching the ink ribbon and adjusting its tension state, the system ensures stable peeling position while preventing variations that would lead to transfer position deviation or lateral stripe patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the transfer target film is continuously conveyed during thermal transfer, then productivity is maintained, but tension variations in the transfer target film cause transfer position deviation and lateral stripe patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer speedVSAvoidtransfer position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by intermittently stopping the conveyance of the transfer target film during the peeling process. This periodic stopping allows for controlled peeling at stable positions while maintaining overall productivity, as the film is conveyed during non-peeling periods and stopped only when peeling is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If excessive tension is applied to the ink ribbon during peeling, then the ink ribbon can be separated from the transfer target film, but the ink ribbon may break

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeeling effectivenessVSAvoidink ribbon integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by controlling the tension of the ink ribbon during the peeling process. By preventing excessive tension from developing, the system ensures effective peeling while protecting the ink ribbon from breakage. This is achieved through controlled stretching and tension management before the actual peeling occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 approach ensures accurate peeling without deviation in transfer position or lateral stripe patterns, maintaining high transfer image quality and preventing ink ribbon breakage by controlling the tension and unwinding process.

Implementation Method 1

transfers ink of the ink ribbon to an ink transfer layer of the transfer target film by heat of the thermal head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a sticking portion in which the ink ribbon sticks to the transfer target film by the heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal bonding: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10493772B2Thermal transfer method and thermal transfer apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 G PRINTEC INC

AI summary

A superimposed transfer target film and ink ribbon is moved while being sandwiched by a thermal head and a platen roller, and during execution of a thermal transfer of thermally transferring ink of the ink ribbon to a transfer layer of the transfer target film by heat of the thermal head, the transfer target film is pulled and moved while leaving a sticking portion in which the ink ribbon sticks to the transfer target film by the heat. After the thermal transfer is ended, the transfer target film stops being moved, is enabled to be loosened, and a downstream portion of the ink ribbon is wound up and stretched while leaving the sticking portion sticking to the transfer target film. While leaving the downstream portion of the ink ribbon stretched, a downstream portion of the transfer target film is wound up, and the sticking portion is peeled.