Transfer Sheet Printing with Non-Transfer Alignment Marks

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing sublimation transfer dyeing method may deteriorate image quality due to alignment issues with the transfer target medium, as the alignment mark provided on the positioning sheet can affect the transfer process.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus with separate nozzles for sublimation and non-sublimation inks is used to print images and alignment marks on a transfer sheet, allowing for precise alignment and preventing the non-sublimation ink from transferring to the target medium during heating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an alignment mark is provided on the positioning sheet using the same printing process as the image, then alignment can be achieved, but the alignment mark may transfer to the target medium and deteriorate image quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidimage quality deterioration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus is divided into two independent printing units: a first printing unit that ejects sublimation ink for the image, and a second printing unit that ejects non-sublimation ink for the alignment mark. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function without interference, preventing the alignment mark from transferring to the target medium while maintaining alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different types of ink are used for different purposes on the same transfer sheet: sublimation ink for the image and non-sublimation ink for the alignment mark. This local differentiation ensures that only the image portion undergoes sublimation and transfer, while the alignment mark remains stationary, thus preventing image quality deterioration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If a single printing unit is used for both image and alignment mark, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment mark transfer contaminates the target medium

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting unit structureVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus is divided into two independent printing units: a first printing unit that ejects sublimation ink for the image, and a second printing unit that ejects non-sublimation ink for the alignment mark. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function without interference, preventing the alignment mark from transferring to the target medium while maintaining alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different types of ink are used for different purposes on the same transfer sheet: sublimation ink for the image and non-sublimation ink for the alignment mark. This local differentiation ensures that only the image portion undergoes sublimation and transfer, while the alignment mark remains stationary, thus preventing image quality deterioration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 easy alignment of the image on the transfer target medium while maintaining image quality by preventing the alignment mark from transferring, thus reducing contamination and enhancing the clarity of the transferred image.

Implementation Method 1

an ink containing a sublimation dye is ejected from an inkjet printer onto a marking sheet surface to create an original image marking sheet. Then, in a state where the original image marking sheet and the T-shirt are overlaid on each other, the original image marking sheet and the T-shirt are heated and pressed by plates of a press machine, whereby the sublimation dye of the original image marking sheet is transferred to the T-shirt.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSublimation: Sublimation

Implementation Method 2

The controller is configured to perform a second printing operation of printing an alignment mark on the transfer sheet by ejecting the non-sublimation ink from the second nozzle.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInk deposition: Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12515458B2Printing apparatus, control method thereof, and storage medium storing program

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A printing apparatus includes a head and a controller. The head includes a first nozzle and a second nozzle. The first nozzle is configured to eject sublimation ink. The second nozzle is configured to eject non-sublimation ink. The controller is configured to perform a first printing operation of printing an image on a transfer sheet based on image data by ejecting the sublimation ink from the first nozzle. The controller is configured to perform a second printing operation of printing an alignment mark on the transfer sheet by ejecting the non-sublimation ink from the second nozzle.