Two-Tray Printing Apparatus for Thick Media Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face difficulties in conveying very thick and rigid printing media like board paper without curvature, leading to potential image deterioration due to back tension and limited ability to handle thicker materials.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with first and second trays positioned approximately in a plane, allowing the printing medium to be conveyed flat, reducing curvature and enabling stable conveyance of thick media, along with adjustable tray sizes to prevent protrusion or damage, and wheels on the back side for easy movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a switchback path is used to convey cardboard through the printing apparatus, then cardboard can be conveyed through the printing position, but the cardboard becomes curved during conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional linear conveyance path to a two-tray system where the printing medium is conveyed horizontally from the first tray to the second tray, then returned to the first tray through the printing position. This dimensional change allows the medium to be conveyed without curvature while maintaining accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If cardboard is conveyed with curvature through the switchback path, then conveyance is possible, but back tension occurs due to the rigidity of the cardboard
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing a two-tray horizontal conveyance system, the patent eliminates the need for curved paths. The printing medium moves in straight lines between trays and through the printing position, thereby preventing back tension that would otherwise occur due to the rigidity of thick materials like cardboard.
3Ease of operation
If the conveyance distance of curved cardboard is changed, then the cardboard can be conveyed, but image deterioration may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The two-tray system provides a stable, predetermined conveyance path with fixed distances. The printing medium is conveyed from the first tray to the second tray and then returned to the first tray through the printing position, ensuring consistent conveyance distance and preventing image deterioration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If very thick and rigid printing media are conveyed through a curved path, then the media can be processed, but the media cannot be conveyed without curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a two-tray horizontal conveyance system that allows very thick and rigid printing media to be conveyed without curvature. The medium is fed from the first tray, conveyed to the second tray, and then returned to the first tray through the printing position, maintaining a flat state throughout the process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a printing apparatus and a printing method, in which a very thick and rigid printing medium such as board paper can be conveyed with stable conveyance accuracy, and in which a high-quality image can be printed thereon. In order to achieve this, paper on a front tray is conveyed onto a rear tray approximately along a plane containing a position on a platen, and then the paper is conveyed onto the front tray through the position on the platen. When the paper passes through the position on the platen, an image is printed on the paper.