Linerless Label Printer UV Fluorescence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers for linerless self-adhesive labels struggle to accurately detect and separate individual labels from continuous strips without visible markings, leading to inefficiencies and potential human error due to the lack of clear separation indicators.
Innovation Solution
A printer equipped with a detector unit that uses UV light and optical brighteners to identify areas without adhesive, allowing for precise separation of labels by emitting UV light and detecting fluorescence, which is invisible to the human eye, enabling accurate marking detection and automated separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visible markings are used to indicate separation points on continuous label paper, then label separation accuracy is improved, but the aesthetic quality and professionalism of the labels deteriorates due to visible markings on the final product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (optical brightener) that is invisible to the human eye but detectable by UV light. This mediator allows the detection system to 'see' the separation points without leaving any visible trace on the final label product, thus resolving the contradiction between accurate detection and aesthetic quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the property of optical brighteners to fluoresce under UV light, creating a detectable signal that appears as a different 'color' or brightness state under detection conditions but remains invisible under normal visible light conditions. This allows markings to be present for detection purposes only, eliminating the visual defect while maintaining detection accuracy
2Shape
If invisible markings using optical brighteners are used, then aesthetic quality is improved, but detection reliability deteriorates because the markings cannot be detected by conventional visible light sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from visible light wavelength to UV light wavelength. By matching the excitation wavelength of the optical brightener with the UV transmitter, the system reliably detects the invisible markings through their fluorescent response, thus maintaining detection reliability while achieving aesthetic quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes conventional visible light detection mechanisms with a UV fluorescence detection system. This replacement enables the detection of invisible markings by exploiting the fluorescent properties of optical brighteners, thereby maintaining detection reliability despite the invisibility of the markings to human eyes
3Measurement precision
If complex detection systems are used to detect invisible markings, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical brightener acts as a simple chemical intermediary that naturally fluoresces when exposed to UV light. This passive chemical property eliminates the need for complex active detection mechanisms, as the markings themselves provide the detection signal through their fluorescent response to the UV transmitter
Solution Approach 2:
The optical brightener in the markings performs the detection function automatically through its inherent fluorescent property when exposed to UV light. The markings essentially 'signal their own presence' through fluorescence, eliminating the need for complex processing or additional detection components in the detector unit
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 printer effectively detects and separates individual labels without visible markings, improving efficiency and reducing human error by using UV light and optical brighteners to create invisible separation indicators, allowing for seamless integration with existing label printing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The continuous label paper has an optical brightener integrated into or applied to it, which emits, i.e., releases, incident light in the UV wavelength range at least partially as light in the visible wavelength range. The UV light of the first transmitter is converted into visible light due to fluorescence due to the optical brightener in the continuous label paper
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a printer for printing labels with a detector unit for detecting markings on the continuous label paper, wherein the markings indicate an adhesive-free area on the label at which labels can be separated from a continuous label paper, and to a method for printing labels. The detector unit comprises a first transmitter that emits light in the UV wavelength range and an associated receiver that receives light in the visible wavelength range.