Support system and method for radio frequency identification device printer

Abstract

The invention relates to a support system and method for a radio frequency identification device printer. The support system (100) is configured to be coupled to a radio frequency identification device, RFID, printer. The support system (100) includes a tray (120) having a support flange (122) configured to abut against the RFID printer (102) below a media outlet (104) of the RFID printer (102). The support flange (122) is configured to support a portion of an RFID component (106) configured to be output by the RFID printer (102) through the media outlet (104). The tray (120) also includes a guide ramp (124) connected to the support flange (122) at an angle. The guide ramp (124) is configured to slidably support the RFID component (106) after the RFID component (106) is pivoted away from the support flange (122).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Examples of this disclosure generally relate to support systems and methods for radio frequency identification (RFID) printers. Background Technology

[0002] RFID printers are used to produce RFID components (e.g., RFID tags). During operation, RFID printers can be susceptible to interference. For example, RFID tags exiting through the printer's media outlet may jam, leading to interference, encoding failures, material waste, and downtime. To reduce the likelihood of such problems, individuals can hold the end of the RFID tag as it moves through and leaves the media outlet. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A system and method are needed for supporting components output by an RFID printer. Furthermore, a system and method are needed for automatically supporting (without human intervention) RFID components during the operation of the RFID printer.

[0004] In view of these needs, a specific example of this disclosure provides a support system configured to be coupled to an RFID printer. The support system includes a tray having a support flange configured to abut against the RFID printer below its media outlet. The support flange is configured to support part of an RFID component configured to be output by the RFID printer through the media outlet. A guide ramp is connected to the support flange at an angle. The guide ramp is configured to slidably support the RFID component after it has pivoted away from the support flange.

[0005] In at least one example, the tray is formed from a composite material including recycled carbon fiber.

[0006] In at least one example, the angle is between 52.5 and 57.5 degrees. As another example, the angle is 55 degrees.

[0007] In at least one example, the guide ramp is 7 inches long.

[0008] In at least one example, the length of the support flange is less than the length of the RFID part configured to be output by the RFID printer. As another example, the length of the support flange is 1.4 inches.

[0009] In at least one example, the support flange has a width greater than the width of the media outlet of the RFID printer. As another example, the support flange is 6 inches wide.

[0010] In at least one example, the support flange is configured to be parallel to the top surface of the structure supporting the RFID printer.

[0011] In at least one example, the tray also includes a support lip extending from the lower front end of the guide ramp. The support lip may be parallel to the support flange.

[0012] Some examples of this disclosure provide a method comprising: supporting a portion of an RFID component on a support flange as an RFID printer outputs an RFID component through a media outlet; and slidably supporting the RFID component on a guide ramp (and improving its mobility) after the RFID component has pivoted away from the support flange.

[0013] Some examples of this disclosure provide a system including an RFID printer and a support system coupled to the RFID printer, as described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 A block diagram of a support system for an RFID printer, according to an example of this disclosure, is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 A perspective bottom view of a support system according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0016] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A three-dimensional top view of the support system.

[0017] Figure 4 A perspective side view of a support system connected to an RFID printer according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 5 A perspective front view of the support system connected to the RFID printer is shown.

[0019] Figure 6 A perspective front view shows a support system for supporting RFID components that output media through the RFID printer's media outlet.

[0020] Figure 7 A flowchart of an example method according to this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As used herein, elements or steps described in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood to not necessarily exclude multiple elements or steps. Furthermore, the reference to "an embodiment" is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments also incorporated into the described features. Moreover, unless expressly stated to the contrary, embodiments that "comprise" or "have" elements or multiple elements having a particular condition may include additional elements that do not have that condition.

[0022] Figure 1 A block diagram of a support system 100 for an RFID printer 102 according to an example of this disclosure is shown. System 103 includes the support system 100 and the RFID printer 102. The RFID printer 102 includes a media outlet 104 through which an RFID component 106 is output. In at least one example, the RFID component 106 is an RFID tag that can be attached to another structure. The RFID printer 102 encodes information on the RFID component 106. For example, the RFID printer 102 encodes a serial number, part number, manufacturing date, manufacturer identification, etc., on the RFID component 106. The RFID printer 102 operates to thermally transfer and digitally encode information onto the RFID component 106.

[0023] The RFID printer 102 outputs the RFID component 106 through the media outlet 104 and exits outside the media outlet 104. A support system 100 is coupled to the RFID printer 102 and supports the RFID component 106 when the RFID tag is output through the media outlet 104. In at least one example, the support system 100 is sized and shaped to rest against the RFID printer 102 below the media outlet 104; for example, a first end 108 of the support system 100 rests against the outer wall of the RFID printer 102 below the media outlet 104, and a second end 110 (opposite to the first end 108) rests against the top surface 112 of the structure 114 supporting the RFID printer 102 (e.g., a dining table, desk, floor, etc.).

[0024] In at least one example, the support system 100 is formed of a composite material including carbon fiber 116 (e.g., pre-impregnated fiber and carbon-cured resin). As another example, the support system 100 is formed of recycled pre-impregnated carbon fiber (e.g., which may be bagged and cured), thereby reducing waste by reusing materials from waste and / or structures no longer suitable for production.

[0025] During operation, when the RFID component 106 is output by the RFID printer 102 through the media outlet 104, the support system 100 provides support for the RFID component 106, thereby reducing potential interference and ensuring the integrity of the encoding process performed by the RFID printer 102.

[0026] Figure 2 A perspective bottom view of a support system 100 according to an example of this disclosure is shown. Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A three-dimensional top view of the support system 100. (Reference) Figure 2 and Figure 3 The support system 100 includes a tray 120 having a support flange 122 connected to a guide ramp 124. As described above, the tray 120 is formed of a composite material including carbon fiber 116 (e.g., a pre-impregnated carbon fiber cured material). The support flange 122 (i.e., the bottom surface 123 of the support flange 122) is connected to the guide ramp 124 (i.e., the rear surface 125 of the guide ramp 124) at an angle θ. In at least one example, the angle θ is between 52.5 and 57.5 degrees. In particular, in at least one example, the angle θ is 55 degrees. The guide ramp 124 has a length 126. For example, the length 126 may be 7 inches. The 7-inch length 126 of the guide ramp 124 and the 55-degree angle θ provide a robust connection between the support system 100 and the RFID printer 102 and the structure 114.

[0027] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The support flange 122 has a length 128 and a width 130. In at least one example, the length 128 of the support flange 122 is less than the length of the RFID component 106. In this way, when the RFID component 106 is output from the media outlet 104, the support flange 122 provides support to the RFID component 106 while allowing the front of the RFID component 106 to overhang over the support flange 122 (as the RFID component 106 moves outward from the media outlet 104), such that the weight of the RFID component 106 pivots the RFID component 106 onto the guide ramp 124 and slides over and off the guide ramp 124. In at least one example, the length 128 is between 50% and 90% of the length of the RFID component 106 output from the media outlet 104. As another example, the length 128 is 1.4 inches, a length that has been found to provide improved support for the RFID component 106 while eliminating, minimizing, or otherwise reducing potential interference with the RFID printer 102.

[0028] In at least one example, the width 130 of the support flange 122 is greater than the width 105 of the media outlet 104. Therefore, the width 130 ensures that the support flange 122 receives and supports any RFID component 106 (which outputs through any portion of the media outlet 104). In at least one example, the width 130 is 6 inches. Alternatively, the width may be less than 6 inches (e.g., 5 inches) or greater than 6 inches (e.g., 7 inches).

[0029] It has been found that the 55-degree angle θ between the support flange 122 and the guide ramp 124, the 1.4-inch length 128 of the support flange 122, and the 7-inch length 126 of the guide ramp 124 are combined to effectively, efficiently, and safely facilitate the support of the RFID component 106 output through the media outlet 104, while also preventing clogging of the RFID printer 102 and providing safe and efficient delivery of the RFID component 106 away from the RFID printer 102, thereby eliminating, minimizing, or otherwise reducing any potential damage to the RFID component 106.

[0030] Figure 4 A perspective side view of a support system 100 coupled to an RFID printer 102 according to an example of this disclosure is shown. Figure 5 A perspective front view of the support system 100 connected to the RFID printer 102 is shown. Figure 6 A perspective front view of a support system 100 is shown that supports the RFID component 106 output through the media outlet 104 of the RFID printer 102. (Reference) Figures 1 to 6 The support system 100 is sized and shaped to be secured between the front wall 140 of the RFID printer 102 and the top surface 112 of a structure 114 (e.g., a dining table, desk, floor, surface of equipment, etc.). Specifically, a 55-degree angle θ between the support flange 122 and the guide ramp 124, a length 128 of the 1.4-inch support flange 122, and a length 126 of the 7-inch guide ramp 124 securely wed the support system 100 between the RFID printer 102 and the structure 114, potentially without requiring any additional fasteners, adhesives, etc. Alternatively, adhesives such as double-sided tape can be used to secure the support flange 122 to the front wall 140 and / or the guide ramp 124 to the top surface 112. As another example, the support system 100 may include one or more latches, clamps, etc., securely coupled to the interstructure of the RFID printer 102.

[0031] As shown, the support flange 122 is positioned below the media outlet 104. For example, the support flange 122 may be 1 inch or less below the bottom edge of the media outlet 104. In at least one example, the 55-degree angle θ between the support flange 122 and the guide ramp 124 ensures that the support flange 122 is parallel to the top surface 112 of the structure 114 (which supports the RFID printer 102), thereby providing improved initial support to the RFID component 106 as it moves out of the media outlet 104. Alternatively, the support flange 122 may not be parallel to the top surface 112.

[0032] In at least one example, tray 120 further includes a support lip 150 parallel to the top surface 112 of structure 114 (and optionally parallel to support flange 122). Support lip 150 extends forward from the front end of guide ramp 124. Support lip 150 rests on the top surface 112 of structure 114. Support lip 150 is located at the end of guide ramp 124 opposite to support flange 122. In at least one example, support lip 150 extends from guide ramp 124 in a direction opposite to support flange 122. For example, support lip 150 extends forward from the lower front end 127 of guide ramp 124, while support flange 122 extends rearward from the upper rear end 129 of guide ramp 124. In at least one example, support lip 150 is connected to guide ramp 124 at an angle θ (i.e., the top surface 151 of support lip 150 is connected to the front surface 121 of guide ramp 124 at an angle θ). The support lip 150 provides a landing and resting support area for the RFID component 106 at the end of the guide ramp 124. The support lip 150 holds the RFID component 106 in an upright position against the front surface 121 of the guide ramp 124. Alternatively, the support system 100 may not include the support lip 150.

[0033] As described herein, the support system 100 includes a support flange 122 coupled to the RFID printer 102 below the media outlet 104 to provide a support shelf with sufficient spacing and dimensions to bear weight during the operation of the RFID printer 102 (such as RFID encoding and feed transmission), thereby preventing interference with or damage to the encoder of the RFID printer 102. Furthermore, in at least one example, the support system 100 is formed of a carbon fiber material, which exhibits a low electrical conductivity level (<10) compared to alternative material substrates. 2 Siemens per meter (S / m) minimizes or otherwise reduces electrostatic discharge while also preventing signal interference with the encoder of the RFID printer 102. Furthermore, by using recycled carbon fiber material to form the support system 100, the examples of this disclosure reduce manufacturing costs and material waste (because waste or previously used materials are recycled to form the support system 100).

[0034] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an example method according to this disclosure is shown. References Figures 1 to 7 At 200, the support system 100 is connected to the RFID printer 102. At 202, the RFID printer 102 is operated to digitally encode the information on the RFID component 106. At 204, as the RFID printer 102 feeds and outputs the RFID component 106 through and from the media outlet 104, a portion of the RFID component 106 is supported on the support flange 122 of the support system 100. At 206, the RFID printer 102 continues to feed the RFID component 106 out of the media outlet 104, such that the weight of a portion of the RFID component extends forward through the support flange 122, and pivots the RFID component 106 from the support flange onto the front surface 121 of the guide ramp 124. At 208, the RFID component 106 is slidably supported on the guide ramp 124, such that the weight of the RFID component 106 (via gravity) moves the RFID component 106 downward on the front surface 121 of the guide ramp 124. At 210, the RFID component 106 rests on the front surface 121 of the support lip 150 and the guide ramp 124, and remains on the front surface 121 of the support lip 150 and the guide ramp 124.

[0035] Furthermore, this disclosure includes examples pursuant to the following terms:

[0036] Clause 1. A support system configured to connect to a radio frequency identification (RFID) printer, the support system comprising:

[0037] The tray includes:

[0038] A support flange configured to abut against the RFID printer below the media outlet of the RFID printer, wherein the support flange is configured to support part of an RFID component configured to be output by the RFID printer through the media outlet; and

[0039] A guide ramp is connected to the support flange at an angle, wherein the guide ramp is configured to slidably support the RFID component after the RFID component pivots away from the support flange.

[0040] Clause 2. The support system as described in Clause 1, wherein the tray is formed of a composite material including recycled carbon fiber.

[0041] Clause 3. The support system according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the angle is between 52.5 and 57.5 degrees.

[0042] Clause 4. The support system as described in Clause 3, wherein the angle is 55 degrees.

[0043] Clause 5. The support system as described in Clause 5, wherein the guide ramp has a length of 7 inches.

[0044] Clause 6. The support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the length of the support flange is less than the length of the RFID component configured to be output by the RFID printer.

[0045] Clause 7. The support system as described in Clause 6, wherein the length of the support flange is 1.4 inches.

[0046] Clause 8. The support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the width of the support flange is greater than the width of the media outlet of the RFID printer.

[0047] Clause 9. The support system as described in Clause 8, wherein the width of the support flange is 6 inches.

[0048] Clause 10. The support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein the support flange is configured parallel to the top surface of the structure supporting the RFID printer.

[0049] Clause 11. The support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the tray further includes a support lip extending from the lower front end of the guide ramp.

[0050] Clause 12. The support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the support lip is parallel to the support flange.

[0051] Clause 13. A method for connecting a support system to an RFID printer of a radio frequency identification device, said support system comprising:

[0052] The tray includes:

[0053] A support flange configured to abut against the RFID printer below the media outlet of the RFID printer; and

[0054] A guide ramp, which is connected to the support flange at a certain angle.

[0055] The method includes:

[0056] When the RFID component is output from the RFID printer through the media outlet, a portion of the RFID component is supported on the support flange; and

[0057] After the RFID component pivots away from the support flange, the RFID component is slidably supported on the guide ramp.

[0058] Clause 14. A system comprising:

[0059] An RFID printer for radio frequency identification (RFID) devices, the RFID printer having a media outlet, wherein the RFID printer is configured to output RFID components through the media outlet; and

[0060] A support system, connected to the RFID printer, includes a tray, the tray comprising:

[0061] A support flange abuts against the RFID printer below the media outlet, wherein the support flange is configured to support a portion of the RFID component when the RFID component is output from the RFID printer through the media outlet; and

[0062] A guide ramp is connected to the support flange at an angle, wherein the guide ramp is configured to slidably support the RFID component after the RFID component pivots away from the support flange.

[0063] Clause 15. The system according to Clause 14, wherein the tray is formed of a composite material including recycled carbon fiber.

[0064] Clause 16. The system according to Clause 15, wherein the angle is 55 degrees.

[0065] Clause 17. The system as described in Clause 16, wherein the guide ramp has a length of 7 inches.

[0066] Clause 18. The system according to Clause 17, wherein the support flange has a length of 1.4 inches and a width of 6 inches.

[0067] Clause 19. The system according to Clause 18, wherein the tray further includes a support lip extending from the lower front end of the guide ramp.

[0068] Clause 20. The system according to Clause 19, wherein the support lip is parallel to the support flange.

[0069] As described herein, examples of this disclosure provide systems and methods for supporting components output by an RFID printer. Furthermore, examples of this disclosure provide systems and methods for automatically supporting (without human intervention) RFID components during operation of an RFID printer.

[0070] While various spatial and directional terms (such as top, bottom, lower, middle, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front, etc.) may be used to describe embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that these terms are used only with respect to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. The orientation may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed such that an upper portion becomes a lower portion, or vice versa, a horizontal becomes a vertical, etc.

[0071] As used herein, structures, constraints, or elements “configured to” perform a task or operation are structurally formed, constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For clarity and to avoid ambiguity, objects that can only be modified to perform a task or operation are not “configured to” perform the task or operation as used herein.

[0072] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be exemplary and not restrictive. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of various embodiments of this disclosure without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define parameters of various embodiments of this disclosure, these embodiments are by no means restrictive and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. In the appended claims and the detailed description herein, the terms “comprising” and “wherein” are used as simple English equivalents of the corresponding terms “comprising” and “wherein”. Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. In addition, the limitations of the following claims are not written in the form of means plus function unless and until such a claim limitation expressly uses the phrase “means for…” followed by a functional statement without further structure.

[0073] This written description uses examples to disclose various embodiments of this disclosure, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of this disclosure, including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that would occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A support system configured to connect to an RFID printer, the support system comprising: The tray includes: A support flange configured to abut against the RFID printer below the media outlet of the RFID printer, wherein the support flange is configured to support part of an RFID component configured to be output by the RFID printer through the media outlet; and A guide ramp is connected to the support flange at an angle, wherein the guide ramp is configured to slidably support the RFID component after the RFID component pivots away from the support flange.

2. The support system according to claim 1, wherein, The tray is formed from a composite material including recycled carbon fiber.

3. The support system according to claim 1, wherein, The angle is between 52.5 and 57.5 degrees.

4. The support system according to claim 3, wherein, The angle is 55 degrees.

5. The support system according to claim 4, wherein, The guide ramp is 7 inches long.

6. The support system according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the support flange is less than the length of the RFID component configured to be output by the RFID printer.

7. The support system according to claim 6, wherein, The length of the support flange is 1.4 inches.

8. The support system according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the support flange is greater than the width of the media outlet of the RFID printer.

9. A method for connecting a support system to an RFID printer of a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, the support system comprising: The tray includes: A support flange configured to abut against the RFID printer below the media outlet of the RFID printer; and A guide ramp, which is connected to the support flange at a certain angle. The method includes: When the RFID component is output from the RFID printer through the media outlet, a portion of the RFID component is supported on the support flange; and After the RFID component pivots away from the support flange, the RFID component is slidably supported on the guide ramp.

10. A system comprising: An RFID printer for radio frequency identification (RFID) devices, the RFID printer having a media outlet, wherein the RFID printer is configured to output RFID components through the media outlet; and A support system, connected to the RFID printer, includes a tray, the tray comprising: A support flange abuts against the RFID printer below the media outlet, wherein the support flange is configured to support a portion of the RFID component when the RFID component is output from the RFID printer through the media outlet; and A guide ramp is connected to the support flange at an angle, wherein the guide ramp is configured to slidably support the RFID component after the RFID component pivots away from the support flange.

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