Linerless Label Printer Guide Ribs for Accurate Sensor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linerless labels with pressure-sensitive adhesive surfaces tend to stick to the inner surfaces of the delivery slot in thermal printers, leading to inaccurate detection by sensors and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for additional components to prevent sticking.
Innovation Solution
A printer design featuring a guide surface with upstream, downstream, and midstream ribs, including a sensor opening, to guide and detect linerless labels, preventing adhesive surfaces from sticking to unintended places.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sheet passing portion is extended to provide a sensor detection space, then the sensor can detect the label, but the inner surface area increases causing the label to stick
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet passing portion is divided into multiple sections with different rib configurations: upstream portion with first ribs, midstream portion with second ribs at sensor position, and downstream portion with third ribs. This segmentation allows the sensor to detect labels accurately at the midstream portion while the rib structures prevent sticking across the entire extended length.
Solution Approach 2:
Ribs are introduced as intermediary structures between the label and the inner surface of the sheet passing portion. These ribs create physical barriers that prevent the pressure-sensitive adhesive surface of the label from contacting and sticking to the guide surface, while still allowing the sensor to detect the label's presence.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a non-adhesive sheet is bonded to the delivery slot surface to prevent sticking, then label sticking is prevented, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The printer structure itself provides the anti-sticking function through the rib configurations on the guide surface. The ribs are integrated into the casing as standard structural elements, eliminating the need for separate non-adhesive sheets or additional anti-sticking components. The structure serves both as a guide surface and as a sticking prevention mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide surface in the delivery slot serves multiple functions: it guides the label through the printer, provides a detection position for the sensor, and prevents sticking through its rib configuration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components dedicated to each function, reducing overall device complexity.
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
Prevents label sticking and ensures accurate sensor detection, reducing manufacturing costs by minimizing the need for additional components.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal head, which is arranged inside the casing and is configured to perform printing on the linerless label
Implementation Method 2
a pressure-sensitive adhesive surface formed on a back surface of the linerless label
Data Source
AI summary
A printer is configured to perform printing on a linerless label including a pressure-sensitive adhesive surface formed on a back surface of the linerless label. The printer includes: a casing including: a receiving portion configured to receive the linerless label before printing; and a delivery slot through which the printed linerless label is delivered; a printing unit including: a thermal head, which is arranged inside the casing, and is configured to perform printing on the linerless label; and a platen roller, which extends in a width direction of the linerless label, and is configured to convey the linerless label toward the delivery slot while sandwiching the linerless label between the platen roller and the thermal head; and a sensor configured to detect the linerless label located between the printing unit and the delivery slot. The casing includes a guide surface to be opposed to the pressure-sensitive adhesive surface of the linerless label that has passed through the printing unit. The guide surface includes: an upstream portion, which includes a plurality of upstream ribs formed upright at intervals in the width direction to extend along a conveying direction of the linerless label; a downstream portion, which is provided at a distance from the upstream portion on a downstream side in the conveying direction, and includes a plurality of downstream ribs formed upright at intervals in the width direction to extend along the conveying direction; and a midstream portion, which is provided at the same position as that of the sensor in the conveying direction, is located between the upstream portion and the downstream portion, and includes at least one midstream rib formed upright only on a center portion of the midstream portion in the width direction to extend along the conveying direction.