Label Printer Universal Cartridge Media Guide Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing label printers are expensive and require a large inventory of cartridges for different label sizes, leading to a high environmental impact and increased manufacturing and distribution costs.

Innovation Solution

A label printer system that includes a receiving area for cartridges with a media guide and cradle for alignment, a processor for adjusting label sizing, and a remote computing device for interfacing, allowing for versatile printing of continuous media and virtual label sizes using recyclable materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If specialized cartridges for different label sizes are used, then printing versatility is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting versatilityVSAvoidcartridge inventory

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal cartridge design that can print multiple label sizes using a single continuous roll of media. The system uses software-controlled print head positioning and media advancement to create different label dimensions from the same physical media, eliminating the need for multiple specialized cartridges while maintaining printing versatility across various label formats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cartridges for different label sizes are maintained, then printing flexibility is improved, but manufacturing and distribution costs worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing and distribution costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple size-specific cartridges into a single universal cartridge system. By combining various label size capabilities into one cartridge that uses continuous media with software-controlled formatting, the system reduces manufacturing complexity and distribution logistics while preserving printing flexibility for different label dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If extensive cartridge library is used, then label size options are improved, but environmental impact worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel size optionsVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a reusable universal cartridge system where the same cartridge can be used repeatedly for different label sizes through software control. This eliminates the need to manufacture, distribute, and dispose of multiple single-use cartridges, thereby reducing waste and environmental impact while maintaining diverse label size options through virtual formatting rather than physical media variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP3022061B1Label printer

Publication Date: 2019.06.19 ESSELTE IPR

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AI summary

A label printer includes a receiving area configured for receiving a cartridge that includes a roll of media for printing labels thereon, the receiving area also including features for aligning a plurality of differently sized cartridges with a printing mechanism; and components configured for adjusting label sizing to provide virtual label sizes.