Print Roller Mounting Assembly for Tool-Free Label Stock Changeover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food product scales and printers face challenges in efficiently replacing worn print rollers and switching between liner-based and linerless label stock setups, lacking a user-friendly solution.

Innovation Solution

A print roller mounting system with a support assembly that allows tool-free removal and replacement, enabling easy conversion between liner-based and linerless setups, using a primary and secondary support base with mating shapes and a rotating end cap for secure retention and release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the print roller is fixed securely to the support base, then the printing reliability is improved, but the ease of removal for cleaning or replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting reliabilityVSAvoidease of removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support base is divided into a primary support base and a secondary support base that can be separated from each other. The print roller is mounted on the secondary support base, which can be released from the primary support base to enable easy removal of the print roller for cleaning or replacement, while maintaining secure fixation during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the printer is configured for liner-based label stock, then the printing function is optimized, but the adaptability to linerless label stock deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting function optimizationVSAvoidadaptability to different label stock types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support assembly is designed with a secondary support base that can be released and reconfigured to accommodate different label stock types. The system can be switched between liner-based and linerless label stock configurations by releasing and repositioning the secondary support base, making the printer universal for multiple labeling applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4670989A1Printer, food product scale and associated print roller mounting system
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP4670989A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4670989A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4670989A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A printer includes a media path along which a media is movable, and a printhead assembly positioned along the media path at a first side of the media path. A print roller is positioned along the media path at a second side of the media path such that media passes between the printhead assembly and the print roller. The print roller is mounted to a support assembly that is configured to permit tool-free removal of the print roller for cleaning or replacement.