Liner-Free Label Printer Print Head Merging Inkjet and Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing label printing systems require separate mechanisms for printing and adhesive activation on liner-free labels, leading to increased complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A dual-function print head system that uses inkjet technology to both print on the front side and apply an activation fluid to the back side of the label, enabling miniaturization and cost reduction by integrating both functions into a single mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate mechanisms are used for printing and adhesive activation, then each function can be performed reliably, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting and adhesive activation reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of separate mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the printing mechanism and adhesive activation mechanism into a single integrated print head system. The same print head that deposits ink for printing also deposits activation fluid for adhesive activation, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms while maintaining reliable performance of both functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The print head is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a printing device and an adhesive activation device. By incorporating multiple nozzles that can be selectively activated, the single print head performs multiple functions (printing and adhesive activation) that previously required separate dedicated mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate mechanisms are used for printing and adhesive activation, then each function is specialized, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional specializationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the printing and adhesive activation functions into a single print head assembly, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked. This integration directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the specialized functionality required for each task through selective nozzle activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-functional print head design allows a single mechanism to perform multiple specialized functions. Rather than manufacturing separate dedicated mechanisms for printing and adhesive activation, the patent creates one universal print head that can be configured for different functions through software control of nozzle selection, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate mechanisms are used for printing and adhesive activation, then each mechanism can be optimized independently, but the overall system size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent mechanism optimizationVSAvoidprinter housing size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the printing and adhesive activation mechanisms into a single compact print head unit, significantly reducing the overall volume required for the printer housing. By eliminating the need for separate mechanism assemblies, the integrated design achieves miniaturization while still allowing independent optimization of printing and activation functions through selective nozzle operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal print head design consolidates multiple functions into a single optimized mechanism. Rather than having separate specialized mechanisms that would require additional space, the patent creates one multi-functional print head that performs both printing and adhesive activation, thereby reducing the overall system volume while maintaining functional optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system effectively prints and activates adhesive on liner-free labels, allowing for efficient production and application of tacky adhesive labels without separate mechanisms, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

The print head is an inkjet print head having nozzles extending along at least the width of a label which operates as a typical inkjet print head for printing liquids on a label

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInkjet printing:

Implementation Method 2

applying a fluid (e.g., liquid or solvent) for activating adhesive material on back surface of the label

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive activation: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS8939538B2Liner-free label printer with label adhesive activation

Publication Date: 2015.01.27 CENVEO WORLDWIDE LTD

AI summary

An apparatus for printing and activating an adhesive upon labels with fluid activatable adhesive having a print head and a path along which a label travels to the print head for printing on a front surface of the label. The path after printing reverses the orientation of the label to present the back surface of the label to the print head for applying a fluid for activating a layer of adhesive material on back surface of the label prior to the label exiting the apparatus.