Single Laser Printhead for Writing and Erasing Rewriteable Labels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser printing systems require multiple laser printheads to write and erase content from rewriteable labels, leading to increased hardware resources, complexity, weight, and design constraints.

Innovation Solution

A single laser printhead with a variable optical element, reflector system, and controller is used to determine the spot size and optical path configuration based on the area size and content, enabling both writing and erasing of content on rewriteable labels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple laser printheads are used to write and erase content, then the system can perform both writing and erasing operations, but the hardware resources and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to write and erase contentVSAvoidnumber of laser printheads

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single laser printhead is designed to perform multiple functions by dynamically adjusting its operational parameters. The controller modifies the laser's power level and spot size based on whether writing or erasing is required, allowing one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized printheads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser printhead incorporates dynamic parameter adjustment capabilities where the power level and spot size can be changed in real-time based on the operation mode. This dynamic adaptability enables the same hardware to effectively perform both writing and erasing functions without requiring physical reconfiguration or multiple fixed-configuration printheads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple laser printheads are used to write and erase content, then both operations can be performed, but the system weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to write and erase contentVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By designing a single laser printhead that can perform both writing and erasing operations through parameter adjustment, the system eliminates the need for multiple separate printhead assemblies, thereby reducing the overall weight of the label modification system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple laser printheads are used to write and erase content, then both operations can be performed, but the physical design constraints increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to write and erase contentVSAvoidphysical design constraints

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single laser printhead design with parameter adjustment capabilities simplifies the physical layout and integration within the label modification system, eliminating the need to accommodate multiple printhead assemblies and their associated mounting structures, cabling, and control interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The functions of multiple specialized printheads are merged into a single multi-functional device. The controller integrates the logic to switch between writing and erasing modes, combining what would have been separate control systems into one unified control unit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution reduces hardware resources and improves efficiency by allowing a single laser printhead to perform both writing and erasing operations, thereby reducing weight and complexity in the system.

Implementation Method 1

A laser printhead can be configured to either write or erase content from a rewriteable label based on photothermal properties of the rewriteable label

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

based on photothermal properties of the rewriteable label

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotothermal effect: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

an optical element configured to control a spot size of the light beam based on a position of the optical element relative to the laser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical focusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 4

a reflector system configured to control directional movement of the light beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12240238B2Control of laser printhead for writing or erasing content

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORP

AI summary

A label modification unit may receive a label modification input that indicates a label modification associated with content being written to a label or erased from the label. The label modification unit may identify an area of the label that is associated with the label modification according to the label modification input. The label modification unit may determine, based on a size of the area, a spot size of a light beam that is configured to be emitted by a laser printhead to modify the content within the area. The label modification unit may determine, based on the spot size and the content, an optical path configuration for the laser printhead. The label modification unit may operate the laser printhead according to the optical path configuration to write the content to the area or erase the content from the area.