Portable Printer on Automated Arm for Multi-Surface Labeling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional label printer and applicator systems are inflexible, unable to print directly on certain substrates and can only apply labels to one surface at a time, requiring multiple devices and increased time and cost for multi-surface applications.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable printing system comprising a portable printer attached to an automated arm with rotation and telescoping capabilities, enabled by sensors and a computing system, allowing for printing on any surface, including substrates, without passing them through the printer, and applying labels to multiple surfaces efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional label printer and applicator systems are used, then printing on one surface is achieved, but multiple devices are required for multi-surface applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting capability on multiple surfacesVSAvoidnumber of devices required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The portable printer is mounted on an automated arm that can rotate and extend to reach multiple surfaces (top, bottom, sides) of substrates, allowing a single device to perform functions previously requiring multiple separate printers and applicators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional label applicator systems are used, then labels can be applied to substrates, but increased time and cost are incurred for multi-surface applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-surface printing capabilityVSAvoidtime for multi-surface applications

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated arm continuously moves the portable printer between different surfaces of substrates on the conveyor belt without interruption, eliminating the time loss associated with manual repositioning or multiple separate printing operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The portable printer is pre-mounted on the automated arm with rotation and extension capabilities, preparing the system in advance to access multiple surfaces without requiring additional setup time during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If substrates are passed through traditional printers, then printing is achieved, but flexibility to print on various surfaces is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting flexibility on various surfacesVSAvoidability to print without passing substrates through

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of passing substrates through the printer as in traditional systems, the portable printer is brought to the substrates by the automated arm, inverting the traditional printing approach and enabling printing on surfaces that cannot accommodate substrate passage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11872826B1Adjustable printing systems and methods of making and using same

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 REKON LLC

AI summary

A method to print indicia on a substrate comprises attaching a portable printer to an automated arm. The method includes detecting the substrate using a sensor. The method comprises printing indicia on a first face of the substrate using the portable printer. The method includes the steps of causing the automated arm to move the portable printer and printing indicia on a second face of the substrate using the portable printer.