Elongated Label Segmentation for Variable Adherend Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional label technologies have fixed length configurations, limiting their application to various uses such as wrapping around adherends of different diameters and accommodating changes in printed images or characters, which restricts their versatility.
Innovation Solution
A tape and tape cartridge design featuring elongated labels with alternating first and second portions, where the second portions are longer than the first, allowing for flexible label creation and adaptation to different sizes and shapes, enabling wrapping around adherends of varying diameters and accommodating various print orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If labels have fixed length configurations, then manufacturing and printing processes are simplified, but versatility for different uses and adherend sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The label is divided into multiple portions of different lengths (first portion, second portion, third portion) along the longitudinal direction, with each portion having a specific length greater than the previous one. This segmentation allows different portions to be used for different adherend sizes and applications, providing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The label structure is designed to serve multiple functions: the first portion can be used for small adherends, the second portion for medium-sized adherends, and the third portion for large adherends. This multi-functionality allows a single label design to replace multiple fixed-length label types, enhancing versatility without significantly increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If labels have fixed length configurations, then label production and inventory management are easier, but ability to accommodate changes in printed images or characters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The label design incorporates variable length portions that can be dynamically selected based on the printing requirements. The printing device can adjust which portion of the label receives printed content depending on the desired outcome, allowing flexibility in accommodating different image sizes and character layouts while maintaining ease of manufacture through a standardized base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The label structure includes portions with different lengths (first length, second length, third length) that can be selected based on printing requirements. This parameter variation allows the same label design to accommodate different printed content sizes and orientations, providing adaptability while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple through consistent material and adhesive properties.
3Adaptability or versatility
If labels have uniform width, then manufacturing is simpler, but ability to wrap around adherends of different diameters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The label is segmented into multiple portions along the longitudinal direction, where each portion has a different length but maintains uniform width. This segmentation allows the label to wrap around adherends of different diameters by selecting the appropriate portion length, providing wrapping capability while keeping the geometry relatively simple through consistent width and basic rectangular shapes.
Data Source
AI summary
A tape includes a sheet and an elongated label that includes first portions and second portions. A second-side end portion of a first-side second portion is connected to a first-side end portion of one first portion, and a first-side end portion of a second-side second portion is connected to a second-side end portion of the one first portion. The one first portion has a first length in a tape widthwise direction. Each of the first-side second portion and the second-side second portion has a second length in the widthwise direction of the tape and a third length in a tape longitudinal direction. The second length is greater than the first length. The one first portion has a fourth length in the tape longitudinal direction which is greater than or equal to a specific length and less than a sum of the specific length and the third length.