Dual-Head Thermal Label Printer Merging Print Methods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for printing on shipping labels often require cumbersome configurations where one printer is positioned to face each side of the label, limiting efficiency and increasing costs, as they cannot simultaneously print on both sides without turning the label, which is labor-intensive and costly.

Innovation Solution

A portable printing apparatus comprising a direct thermal printer and a thermal transfer printer, both facing the same side of the label, with a controller to manage the printing process, allowing simultaneous printing on both sides using direct thermal and thermal transfer coatings and ribbons.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If one printer is positioned to face each side of the label, then printing capability on both sides is achieved, but device complexity and operational cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting operation simplicityVSAvoidprinter configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a direct thermal printer and a thermal transfer printer into a single integrated printing apparatus that can simultaneously print on both sides of a label. The apparatus includes a first print head for direct thermal printing on the first side and a second print head for thermal transfer printing on the second side, eliminating the need for separate printer configurations and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If labels are turned to print on both sides, then printing coverage is improved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting efficiencyVSAvoidlabel handling time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus enables continuous printing on both sides of the label without requiring the label to be turned or handled manually. The first print head prints on the first side while the second print head simultaneously or sequentially prints on the second side, maintaining continuous productive action and eliminating interruptions for label manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of manufacture

If separate printing processes are used for each side, then printing flexibility is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting process simplicityVSAvoidoperational resources required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated printing apparatus performs multiple printing functions within a single device. It can print on both sides of labels using different printing methods (direct thermal and thermal transfer), handle different label types, and operate as a unified system, thereby reducing the total number of resources required compared to using separate printers for each side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient and cost-effective printing on both sides of a label without the need for complex printer configurations, combining the advantages of direct thermal and thermal transfer printing while reducing labor and operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

a direct thermal printer having a first print head... The controller is used to cause the direct thermal printer to print a second indicia on the second side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDirect thermal printing: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a thermal transfer printer adjacent thereto and having a second print head... coating the first side with a thermal transfer coating... The controller is further used to cause the thermal transfer printer to print a first indicia on the first side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal transfer: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS8922607B2Direct thermal and thermal transfer shipping label and methods of making same

Publication Date: 2014.12.30 REKON LLC

AI summary

A method for printing a label having a first side, a second side, and a border comprises the step of providing a printing apparatus. The border is coated with an adhesive at the second side and a release liner is releasably secured thereto. The apparatus comprises a direct thermal printer having a first print head and a thermal transfer printer adjacent thereto and having a second print head. The method includes the step of coating the second side with a direct thermal coating, and the step of situating the label underneath the printing apparatus such that each of the first print head and the second print head face the first side. A controller is used to cause the direct thermal printer to print a second indicia on the second side, and to cause the thermal transfer printer to print a first indicia on the first side.