Linerless Label Printer Damper Control to Prevent Label Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linerless label printers require excessive force to separate the label sheet from roll paper, leading to printing failures and label detachment issues, especially when using large diameter rolls, and cutters are positioned far from the printing head, causing labels to be detached during return to the printing position.
Innovation Solution
A printer design incorporating a damper mechanism with a limiter that switches between unlimited and limited states to apply or remove tensile force, using an extension spring and solenoid-controlled locking mechanism to prevent label detachment, and includes a cutter positioned closer to the printing head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a damper mechanism is used to apply tensile force to the label sheet, then the sheet can be properly fed to the printing head, but label detachment occurs when the cutter is positioned far from the printing head
Solution Approach 1:
The damper mechanism is designed to dynamically adjust its tensile force application. The damper applies force during the feeding phase to ensure proper sheet delivery to the printing head, then releases or reduces force during the cutting and return phase to prevent label detachment. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt the damper's action to different operational stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper applies tensile force in advance during the feeding operation to ensure the label sheet is properly positioned and tensioned before printing occurs. This preliminary action ensures reliable feeding while the label remains securely attached to the base sheet, preventing detachment during subsequent cutting operations.
2Ease of operation
If a damper mechanism is used to separate the label sheet from roll paper, then feeding is enabled, but excessive force is required especially for large diameter rolls
Solution Approach 1:
The damper mechanism dynamically adjusts the tensile force applied during different phases of sheet handling. During the separation phase, the damper applies necessary force to detach the sheet from the roll. During feeding and printing phases, the damper maintains appropriate tension without excessive force. This dynamic adjustment reduces the peak force requirements compared to a static high-force system.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper mechanism changes the force parameter over time and operational phase. The system transitions from high force during separation to controlled tension during feeding, and then to reduced force during printing. This parameter variation allows the system to handle large diameter rolls effectively while avoiding excessive force during subsequent operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cutter is positioned far from the printing head, then cutting can be performed, but the label sheet must be returned to the printing position which causes label detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The damper mechanism dynamically controls tension during the label return operation. When the cutter is positioned downstream and the label sheet needs to be returned to the printing position, the damper reduces or releases its tensile force to prevent pulling on the label. This dynamic control allows the sheet to be returned smoothly without causing the label to detach from the base sheet.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper mechanism preemptively reduces or releases tensile force before the label return operation begins. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effect of label detachment by eliminating the tensile stress that would otherwise cause separation during the return maneuver.
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 solution effectively reduces the force required for label separation, prevents label detachment, and ensures smooth feeding and printing by adjusting the damper's tensile force based on printing mode, enhancing printing reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a damper (15) that moves towards the continuous sheet by a predetermined distance and applies a tensile force to the continuous sheet
Implementation Method 2
solenoid-controlled locking mechanism to prevent label detachment
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a printer includes a damper that moves towards a continuous sheet by a predetermined distance and applies a tensile force to the continuous sheet on a conveying path on which the continuous sheet is conveyed by the feed roller. The printer further includes a limiter that switches a state of the damper between an unlimited state in which a movement distance for the damper is not limited and a limited state in which the movement distance for the damper is limited so that no tensile force is applied to the continuous sheet.