Thermal Transfer Printing Pressing Control for Quiet Overcoat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal transfer printers face limitations in print processing speed due to excessive friction and resonance during overcoat transfer, which generates abnormal noise and restricts processing speed, particularly when high-speed printing is attempted.
Innovation Solution
The printer apparatus optimizes the processing speed and pressing state of the ink ribbon and recording sheet during color ink transfer and overcoat transfer by adjusting the thermal head's pressing force and position, allowing for high-speed operation without defects like abnormal noise or adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the processing speed during overcoat transfer is increased, then print processing speed is improved, but abnormal noise is generated by excessive friction and resonance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pressing force adjustable and variable during the overcoat transfer process. The pressing force is dynamically changed based on the transfer stage, using a first pressing force during initial transfer and a second pressing force during subsequent transfer, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements and eliminate noise while maintaining speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressing force parameter during overcoat transfer operations. By switching from a first pressing force to a second pressing force at different stages of the transfer process, the system optimizes friction control to prevent resonance and abnormal noise while maintaining high processing speed
2Manufacturing precision
If the pressing force is increased to improve transfer quality, then transfer precision is improved, but friction and resonance increase causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic adjustment of pressing force, applying a first pressing force during initial overcoat transfer and switching to a second pressing force during subsequent transfer stages. This dynamic approach maintains transfer quality while controlling friction to prevent noise generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by using multiple pressing forces at different stages of the overcoat transfer process. The pressing force is periodically adjusted (first pressing force, then second pressing force) to optimize both transfer quality and noise control throughout the transfer cycle
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 optimization enables faster print processing without generating noise or defects, ensuring smooth operation even at increased speeds by setting the pressing state to optimal conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal transfer method of adhering, to a recording sheet, ink vaporized by heat of a thermal head
Data Source
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AI summary
A printing apparatus (1) that thermally transfers color ink (26a, 26b, 27c) and an overcoat (26d) to a recording sheet (18), includes a control unit (104) configured to perform print processing (S101 - S119) of transferring the color ink and the overcoat to the recording sheet by a thermal head (21) and an ink ribbon (26). The control unit changes a pressing force for pressing the ink ribbon and the recording sheet during the color ink transfer and during the overcoat transfer in the print processing, and controls a processing speed during the color ink transfer and during the overcoat transfer in the print processing.