Dynamic Cutting Mechanism for RFID Tag Label Waste Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tag-label producing apparatuses waste margin portions as they are not effectively utilized, leading to inefficiencies in producing RFID labels with fixed lengths and wasted surplus portions due to predetermined intervals of RFID circuit elements and fixed cutting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A tag-label producing apparatus that allocates label length information dynamically, allowing surplus portions to be utilized for producing ordinary labels, thereby optimizing the use of tag tape and reducing waste by adjusting the printing and cutting processes based on allocated label length signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cutting mechanism is positioned before the printing portion in the tape feeding direction, then the RFID label production process can be completed, but a non-print section (margin area) is created from the cutting portion to the print start position which is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cutting position dynamic by allowing it to be adjusted based on the actual label length requirements. The cutting position detection means detects the position dynamically, and the cutting mechanism can cut at different positions along the tape, transforming the fixed cutting position into a variable one that adapts to different printing needs, thereby eliminating wasted margin areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of cutting position from a fixed value to a variable value that can be adjusted according to the label specifications. By detecting the actual position where cutting should occur and adjusting the cutting mechanism accordingly, the system optimizes the use of tape material and eliminates the non-print margin area waste.
2Ease of manufacture
If RFID circuit elements are arranged with predetermined equal intervals on the tag tape, then the tag-label producing apparatus can operate systematically, but the label length is fixedly determined and surplus portions cannot be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the cutting position, allowing the system to produce labels of varying lengths from the same tag tape with predetermined RFID circuit element intervals. The cutting position detection means and adjustable cutting mechanism enable the system to adapt to different label length requirements while maintaining the systematic arrangement of RFID elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tag tape at different positions based on detected requirements, allowing flexible creation of labels with different lengths from the same continuous tape. This segmentation approach enables the system to utilize surplus portions of the tape that would otherwise be wasted, while maintaining the predetermined intervals of RFID circuit elements.
3Device complexity
If the cutting mechanism is fixed at a predetermined position, then the apparatus structure is simple, but surplus portions of the tag tape are wasted when producing labels with different length requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the cutting position detection means automatically detects the optimal cutting position based on the label requirements, and the cutting mechanism automatically adjusts to this detected position. This self-adjusting system eliminates the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms while maximizing tape utilization and minimizing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the cutting position detection means continuously monitors the tape position and provides feedback to the cutting mechanism. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust the cutting position to match the actual label length requirements, thereby eliminating waste of surplus tape portions while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
The apparatus effectively utilizes margin and surplus portions, enhancing the production efficiency and flexibility in producing RFID labels by dynamically allocating label length information, reducing waste and improving application versatility.
Implementation Method 1
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems for transmitting/receiving information contactlessly (an electromagnetic coupling method using a coil, an electromagnetic induction method, an electric wave method or the like) with an RFID circuit element
Implementation Method 2
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems for transmitting/receiving information contactlessly (an electromagnetic coupling method using a coil, an electromagnetic induction method, an electric wave method or the like) with an RFID circuit element
Implementation Method 3
tag print (print information) corresponding to information transmission/reception contents, which will be described later, is printed by a printing portion (thermal head) on the print-receiving tape (cover film)
Data Source
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AI summary
In a tag-label producing apparatus (1) that produces an RFID label (T) using a tag-label tape (109) having an adhesive layer (101c), a separation sheet (101d), and an RFID circuit element (To), a tape feeding roller (27), a loop antenna (LC) that transmitting/receiving information, and a print head (23) are provided, in which a tag print corresponding to transmission/reception contents by the loop antenna (LC) is carried out by a control circuit (110) on a tag print area (PE1) provided at a position corresponding to the RFID circuit element (To) in a cover film (103), and the print head (23) and the tape feeding roller (27) are controlled in coordination so that a predetermined pattern print is carried out on a front print area (PE2) located on the tape tip end side than the tag print area (PE1).