Automated Label Printing and Picking for Faster Product Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current label printing and attaching systems lack automation, resulting in low efficiency and manual intervention, which slows down the production line.

Innovation Solution

A label printing and attaching system comprising a label printing device with an ink tape supply, label tape supply, and a heat transfer machine, along with a label attaching device featuring a label picker and moving device, enabling automated label printing and attachment onto products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual printing and attaching method is used, then device complexity is low, but productivity is low and labeling efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabeling efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the label printing device and label attaching device into an integrated automated labeling system. The printing mechanism, heat transfer mechanism, and attaching mechanism work together in a coordinated manner to complete the entire labeling process automatically, thereby improving productivity while managing system complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated mechanisms. The label picker automatically picks labels from the carrier tape, the moving device transports them to product positions, and the attaching mechanism applies them automatically, eliminating manual labor and significantly boosting labeling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated label picking and attaching is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel attaching efficiencyVSAvoidattaching device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The label attaching device is divided into functional modules: a label picker for picking labels, a moving device for transportation, and an attaching mechanism for application. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a carrier tape as an intermediary carrier that holds multiple blank labels. This intermediary structure enables the automated picking and transferring of labels without requiring complex direct manipulation mechanisms, thereby improving attaching efficiency while controlling device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If heat transfer printing is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel printing precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heat transfer printing mechanism utilizes phase transition (heating) to transfer the label pattern from the ink tape to the blank label paper. This thermal process ensures precise pattern reproduction and high manufacturing precision, though it does consume energy. The localized heating approach minimizes energy usage while maintaining printing quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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

Facilitates efficient, automated labeling, enhancing production line efficiency by eliminating manual labor and ensuring high-quality label application.

Implementation Method 1

a heat transfer machine adapted to heat transfer the label pattern on the ink tape onto the blank label paper of the label tape to obtain a desired label

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12623468B2Label printing and attaching system

Publication Date: 2026.05.12 TYCO ELECTRONICS DONGGUAN

AI summary

A label printing and attaching system includes a label printing device and a label attaching device. The label printing device has an ink tape supply mechanism for supplying an ink tape with a label pattern. A label tape supply mechanism of the label printing device is adapted to supply a label tape that includes a carrier tape and blank label paper adhered to the carrier tape. The label printing device further includes a heat transfer machine adapted to heat transfer the label pattern on the ink tape onto the blank label paper of the label tape to obtain a desired label. The label attaching device has a label picker adapted to pick up the label with the printed label pattern from the label tape, and a moving device adapted to move the label picker to place the picked label with the printed label pattern onto a product.