Adaptable Label Stock Cassette for Linerless Scale Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food product scales require separate cassettes for liner-based and linerless label stocks, necessitating additional parts, assembly, and service calls for conversion.

Innovation Solution

A label stock cassette with a selectively movable deflector that can be configured for use with both liner-based and linerless label stocks, allowing seamless conversion without disassembly or spare parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate cassettes are used for liner-based and linerless label stocks, then each label stock type can be properly supported, but device complexity increases and requires additional parts and assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different label stock typesVSAvoidnumber of cassette variants required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The label stock cassette is designed with a universally adaptable structure that can accommodate both liner-based and linerless label stocks through a single deflector component. The deflector can be positioned in different configurations to support different label stock types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized cassettes and reducing device complexity while maintaining compatibility with various label formats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conversion between liner-based and linerless label stock requires additional parts and assembly, then proper functionality is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates and requires service calls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproper functionality with different label stocksVSAvoidease of conversion between label stock types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector component is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be easily moved between different positions to accommodate different label stock types. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables users to convert between liner-based and linerless label stock configurations without requiring disassembly or additional parts, simply by repositioning the deflector within the existing cassette structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single cassette supports both liner-based and linerless label stocks, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability may deteriorate without proper adaptation mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of cassette variantsVSAvoidproper functionality with different label stocks

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector serves as an intermediary component between the cassette structure and different label stock types. It mediates the interaction between the single cassette design and various label formats (liner-based and linerless) by providing the necessary mechanical guidance and support in different configurations, ensuring reliable functionality across both label stock types without requiring multiple specialized cassettes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4670994A1Food product scale and associated label stock cassette adaptable for use with liner-based and linerless label stock

Publication Date: 2025.12.31 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

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AI summary

A printer includes a printer body including a cassette station. A label stock cassette includes a label supply hub for holding label stock, wherein the label stock cassette is engageable in a loaded position in the cassette station and is removable from the cassette station for the purpose of label stock replacement. A deflector is selectively moveable between a storage position on the cassette when the label stock cassette is configured used for use with liner-based label stock and a use position on the cassette when the label stock cassette is configured for use with linerless label stock.