Portable Label Printer Module Dual-Stage Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable label printing/sticking machines require multiple printer modules to print different types of data and items, leading to increased size and weight, making it impractical to print multiple types of independent items on a single label within the size constraints.
Innovation Solution
A print method using a printer module that partitions the label into regions, allowing for simultaneous printing of items and data across multiple stages using item and data print bands, enabling efficient printing of multiple types of information on a single label by utilizing first and second printer modules in at least two vertical stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple printer modules are provided for every item print or data print, then the printing capability for multiple types of items is improved, but the number of printer modules and size increase disadvantageously
Solution Approach 1:
The label piece is divided into multiple print sections (upper, middle, lower) that can be printed independently. The item print band and data print band are segmented to print different types of information in different sections, allowing multiple items to be printed without requiring multiple complete printer modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by arranging print sections in the vertical direction (upper, middle, lower). This allows multiple types of items and data to be printed on a single label by using different vertical positions, effectively increasing printing capacity without expanding the horizontal footprint of the printer module.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the printer module is equipped to print two types of items with four vertical stages, then the printing versatility is improved, but it becomes impractical for portable use due to size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The printing function is segmented into two separate bands: an item print band for printing item names and a data print band for printing data. This segmentation allows the printer module to handle multiple item types using a compact two-stage configuration rather than requiring four stages, maintaining portability while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The item print band and data print band work together in a universal system where the same two-stage printer module can print various combinations of items and data by selecting different print sections. This multi-functional approach allows the compact printer to handle diverse printing needs without requiring additional stages.
3Quantity of substance
If the label piece is divided into multiple print sections, then the information density is improved, but the complexity of printing coordination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The label is pre-divided into predetermined print sections (upper, middle, lower) with specific assignments for item print band and data print band. This preliminary structuring of the label allows the printer to automatically coordinate printing by simply selecting which print section to activate, reducing the complexity of real-time printing coordination while maximizing information density.
Data Source
AI summary
A print method using a printer module of a portable label printing/sticking machine, the portable label printing/sticking machine performing printing on each label piece of a continuous label formed by temporarily adhering a plurality of label pieces on a ribbon-shaped liner sheet and sticking the label pieces, wherein the printer module is first and second printer modules provided in at least two vertical stages, any one of the first and second printer modules being provided with an item print band across at least two columns, the other one of the first and second printer modules being provided with a data print band, and the print method includes printing a partitioning frame that partitions a print area of the label piece into four regions including upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right regions on the label piece in advance; and printing on the four regions of the print area using the first and second printer modules.