Nested Label Printer with Automatic Lamination for Confidential Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label printers face limitations in securely concealing confidential information on delivery slips, as they require manual folding and have restricted printing areas due to adhesive layer exposure, leading to potential label peeling issues.
Innovation Solution
A label printer that automatically laminates a smaller label sheet onto the adhesive side of a label, allowing for secure concealment of printed information between the label and an adherend, with a cutting mechanism to form a smaller plane area and a suction system for precise positioning and adhesion, preventing peripheral floating and ensuring complete concealment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sheet type delivery slip with confidential information is used, then printing freedom is improved, but information security deteriorates as confidential information becomes visible from outside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where a smaller label sheet containing confidential information is placed inside a larger outer label. The inner label sheet is inserted into a recess portion of the outer label, creating a nested configuration that conceals sensitive information within the larger label structure while maintaining printing flexibility on both labels.
2Loss of information
If the label is folded back manually to conceal confidential information, then information security is improved, but operational complexity increases due to manual processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the confidential information is automatically concealed through the nested label structure during the labeling process. The inner label sheet with confidential information is automatically positioned within the recess of the outer label, eliminating the need for manual folding or turning back of labels to protect sensitive data.
3Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive layer is exposed only in partial area, then label structure stability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to peripheral floating and unintended peel-off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adhesive layer into multiple distinct regions: a first adhesive layer on the back surface of the outer label, and a second adhesive layer on the back surface of the inner label sheet. This segmentation allows each adhesive layer to perform its specific function independently, with the first adhesive securing the outer label and the second adhesive securing the confidential inner label, thereby preventing peripheral floating and unintended peel-off.
4Adaptability or versatility
If no-adhesive-treatment is performed for printing on adhesive layer, then printing capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the printing-adhesive conflict by transitioning to another dimension - using a recess portion (three-dimensional structural feature) to separate the printing area from the adhesive area. The inner label sheet is inserted into a recess, allowing printing to occur on the vertical walls of the recess rather than on the adhesive layer itself, thereby enabling printing capability without requiring no-adhesive-treatment or additional processing steps.
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 solution effectively prevents partial floating of the label and ensures complete concealment of printed information, allowing for secure handling of confidential data during logistics, while enabling printing on both sides without special adhesive treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a first suction plate that holds the label peeled off by the peeling means; and a second suction plate that holds the label sheet
Data Source
AI summary
The printer includes a printing unit 12 that performs printing on each of a label L1 and a second raw sheet M2 on the way of feeding out a first raw sheet M1, which is temporarily stuck with labels L1 on a release liner S, and a second raw sheet M2 having no adhesive layer; a peeling unit 13 that peels off the label L1 from the release liner S; first and second holding units 15, 16 that hold a label sheet L2 formed via a cutting unit 14; and a laminating unit 17 that laminates the label L1 and the label sheet L2 with each other so that the reverse surface of the printed surface of the label sheet L2 faces the adhesive layer side of the label L1 are provided. The label L1 laminated with the label sheet L2 is stuck onto an adherend W in a state that the adhesive layer is exposed in a closed loop state in an entire area of the periphery of the label sheet L2.