IC Tag Issuing Device Non-Contact Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
IC tags aligned in multiple rows are prone to breakage during conveyance and printing due to external forces, limiting the speed and efficiency of issuance.
Innovation Solution
An IC tag issuing apparatus that conveys IC tags in a non-contact manner using negative pressure suction units and conveyance belts, eliminating the need to press the tags from the front surface, thereby preventing breakage during conveyance and printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If IC tags are aligned in multiple rows to increase issuance quantity, then productivity is improved, but the risk of IC tag breakage during conveyance and printing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical conveyance and printing systems with non-contact methods. RFID readers and writers use electromagnetic fields to communicate with IC tags without physical contact, while the printing system uses aerosol jet deposition to apply conductive ink non-contactly. This eliminates mechanical stress and pressure on the IC tags during processing, preventing breakage while maintaining multiple-row alignment for high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a conveyance system that uses airflow control to transport IC tags through the processing chamber. By controlling the flow of air or inert gas, the system can move multiple rows of IC tags without mechanical contact, reducing the risk of breakage while maintaining precise positioning for RFID writing and printing operations
2Device complexity
If contact-based conveyance and printing methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but IC tag breakage occurs due to applied pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical conveyance rollers, belts, and pressure-based printing systems with non-contact alternatives. RFID communication uses electromagnetic fields, and the printing system employs aerosol jet deposition that deposits material without contacting the IC tag surface. This substitution maintains relatively simple device architecture while eliminating the breakage-causing mechanical pressure
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 prevents breakage of IC tags during conveyance and printing, enhancing issuance speed and efficiency by maintaining tension and preventing meandering or skewing.
Implementation Method 1
conveyance belts, eliminating the need to press the tags from the front surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
To provide an IC tag issuing apparatus which can prevent breakage of an IC tag during conveyance of an IC tag continuous body on which the IC tags are aligned in multiple rows and during printing on the IC tags. Conveyance means for conveying an IC tag continuous body (1) includes a tractor feeder unit (a first tractor feeder unit (61), a second tractor feeder unit (64)) for conveying the IC tag continuous body (1) by engaging and disengaging feed pins with sprocket holes formed in the IC tag continuous body (1) and a negative pressure conveyance unit (a first conveyance unit (62), a second conveyance unit (63), a third conveyance unit (65), a fourth conveyance unit (67)) for conveying the IC tag continuous body (1) while suctioning it to a conveyance belt, and printing on the IC tags in the printing device (4) is configured such that a toner image transferred to the IC tags by a print unit (41) is optically fixed by an optical fixation unit (42) in a non-contact manner.