Transfer Ribbon Used Mark Detection for Credential Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Credential production devices face defects and malfunctions due to the inability to distinguish between available and used transfer sections in transfer printing and lamination operations, leading to flawed print and transfer operations.

Innovation Solution

A transfer printing device equipped with a mark sensor and controller that detects the presence or absence of used marks on a transfer ribbon to select available transfer sections for printing and lamination, preventing the use of previously used sections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the transfer printing device operates without detecting used transfer sections, then the device complexity is reduced, but defects occur in credential production due to using previously used transfer sections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecredential production qualityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of used marks on transfer sections before printing operations. The mark sensor detects whether a transfer section has been previously used, and the controller prevents printing on used sections, thereby avoiding defects before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A mark sensor is introduced as an intermediary component between the transfer ribbon and the printing system. This sensor detects the presence of used marks and provides information to the controller, enabling the system to distinguish between used and unused transfer sections without complex mechanical modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the device detects and avoids used transfer sections, then credential product quality is maintained, but the productivity decreases due to additional detection and skipping steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer operation qualityVSAvoidprinting speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous operation by seamlessly integrating mark detection into the existing transfer ribbon feeding process. The controller continuously monitors for used marks and automatically skips to the next available transfer section without interrupting the overall printing workflow, ensuring continuous productive action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

When a used transfer section is detected, the controller rapidly skips to the next unused transfer section. This skipping mechanism allows the system to bypass defective areas quickly without significant downtime, maintaining overall productivity while ensuring quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Productivity

If the system prints on all detected transfer sections without verification, then the productivity is maximized, but harmful factors increase due to defects from using used transfer sections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput volumeVSAvoidprint defects

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the mark sensor continuously provides information about the status of transfer sections to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller makes real-time decisions about which sections to print on, ensuring that only unused transfer sections are utilized and preventing defect generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Prevents defects in credential production by ensuring that only unused transfer sections are used for printing and lamination, maintaining the quality of the credential products.

Implementation Method 1

A transfer printing device equipped with a mark sensor and controller that detects the presence or absence of used marks on a transfer ribbon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The transfer roller is used to thermally activate the adhesive and press the resinous material against the surface of the substrate to bond the material to the surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal activation: Heating

Implementation Method 3

The side of the resin material that is not attached to the continuous carrier layer is generally coated with a thermal adhesive which is used to create a bond between the resin and the surface of the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS10434791B2Used transfer layer detection in a transfer printing device

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 ASSA ABLOY AB

AI summary

A transfer printing device includes a transfer ribbon, a print unit, a mark sensor and a controller. The transfer ribbon includes a transfer layer that is attached to a carrier layer. The transfer layer includes a series of transfer sections. The controller is configured to perform a print operation, in which a transfer section that is available for printing is selected by detecting an absence of a used mark in a predetermined position on the transfer ribbon corresponding to the transfer section using the mark sensor. An image is printed to the selected transfer section and a used mark is printed on the transfer ribbon using the print unit. At least a portion of the used mark is in a predetermined position relative to the selected transfer section and is outside the selected transfer section.