3D Movable Printer System for Skewed Box Labeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label application systems require boxes to be aligned perfectly with the x, y, and z axes for proper label placement, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when dealing with skewed boxes or varying angles.
Innovation Solution
A printer system with a single integrated controller and motors that can move in three dimensions, allowing for label placement anywhere on a package using a single data stream containing both label and positioning information, enabling efficient alignment and application of labels on skewed or angled boxes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the box is required to be aligned perfectly with the x, y, and z axes for label placement, then the label placement precision is improved, but the operation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the box to be aligned with the printer's fixed coordinate system, the patent inverts the approach by making the printer movable in three dimensions to adapt to boxes at various angles and positions. The printer can now move to align with the box rather than the box needing to align with the printer, eliminating the time-consuming alignment step while maintaining placement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic positioning capabilities to the printer through three-dimensional movement along x, y, and z axes. This dynamic system allows the printer to adjust its position and orientation in real-time to accommodate boxes at different angles and locations, transforming a static alignment requirement into a flexible adaptive system that maintains precision without requiring manual realignment.
2Measurement precision
If the printer system uses separate controllers for positioning and label application, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the positioning control and label application control into a single integrated controller. This unified controller manages both the three-dimensional movement of the printer and the label application process, eliminating the need for multiple separate controllers while maintaining coordination and precision through integrated command processing and synchronized execution.
Data Source
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AI summary
An improved print and apply device that receives a single data stream containing label printing/encoding data and positioning data. The single data stream may comprise data relating to the skew angle of the package. The print and apply device transmits label data to a printer/encoder portion of the system and positioning data to motors that move the system. Once the printer portion and the applicator portion have indicated they are ready, a signal is sent to apply the label. Supplemental motors can adjust the package in the X, Y, and/or Z directions until the skew angle is determined to be within an acceptable approach to zero. The label can be applied anywhere in the X, Y, and/or Z directions on a package.