Handheld Printer With Integrated Power And Guiding Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging customization systems for consumer goods are not user-friendly, require extensive maintenance, and are not cost-effective for rapid and reliable individualization of packages at point-of-sale locations.
Innovation Solution
A handheld printer with a housing body, guiding bracket, and user input device, equipped with a printhead and printer controller for portable and efficient printing on consumer goods packages, including a conveying device for precise control and registration sensors for adaptability to various package sizes, and powered by an electrical energy storage device for flexibility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handheld printer is designed for portability with integrated power supply, then ease of operation and flexibility are improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the printer mechanism, control unit, and electrical energy storage device into a single integrated handheld unit. This merging of components enables portability and independent operation without external power sources, directly resolving the contradiction by making the device self-contained and easy to operate while accepting the necessary increase in complexity as a trade-off for achieving portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld printer is designed to perform multiple functions including printing on various package types (cigarette packs, cosmetic boxes, food containers), storing energy, and providing user control interfaces. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device complexity by delivering comprehensive printing capabilities in a portable format, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If existing packaging customization systems are used, then printing capability is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex operation and extensive maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld printer incorporates an electrical energy storage device that provides autonomous power supply, eliminating the need for external power sources and reducing dependency on complex infrastructure. This self-service capability simplifies operation and reduces maintenance requirements, directly addressing the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into modular components including the housing body, guiding bracket, printhead, control unit, and energy storage device. This segmentation allows for easier maintenance and repair of individual components without affecting the entire system, reducing overall maintenance needs while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If conventional printing systems are used for package customization, then printing function is achieved, but productivity deteriorates due to slow operation and lack of rapid customization
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit stores multiple printing patterns and designs in advance, allowing operators to quickly select and apply pre-prepared designs without time-consuming setup or programming. This preliminary preparation of printing data enables rapid customization of packages, directly improving productivity while minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding bracket and conveying device are designed to dynamically adapt to different package sizes and shapes, enabling quick adjustment between different printing tasks without extensive reconfiguration. This dynamic adaptability allows rapid customization of various package types, improving productivity while reducing the time needed for setup and adjustment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the printer is designed to accommodate various package sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to adjustable components
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding bracket is designed with adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to different package dimensions. This dynamic adjustability allows the same device to handle various package sizes without requiring multiple specialized tools, improving adaptability while keeping the adjustment mechanism integrated and relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer is designed as a universal device capable of printing on multiple types of packages including cigarette packs, cosmetic boxes, and food containers. This multi-functionality is achieved through adjustable guiding brackets and conveying devices that can accommodate different sizes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity by creating a single versatile platform.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention pertains to an handheld printer (10), comprising a housing body (1) including a handhold (4) for a user to carry the printer (10) in his/her hands; a guiding bracket (3) attached to a back surface (1b) of the housing body (1), the guiding bracket (3) forming a feed channel between the back surface (1 b) of the housing body (1) and an inner wall of the guiding bracket (3) running from a top end to a bottom end of the housing body (1); at least one first printing device (6a) arranged within the housing body (1) and having a printhead extending at least partially from the back surface (1 b) of the housing body (1); a user input device included in a front surface (1a) of the housing body (1) having a user interface (2) configured to receive user input commands via the user interface (2); and a printer controller (7a) arranged within the housing body (1) coupled to the user input device and the at least one first printing device (6a), the printer controller (7a) being configured to output printing control signals to the at least one first printing device (6a) on the basis of the user input commands input to the user input device.