Printed Bag Tag Feeding to Prevent Curling and Jamming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tag assembly systems do not efficiently print and attach tags to bags, as they do not directly feed printed tags to sewing machines, leading to issues like curling and jamming, and lack the ability to adjust for different tag sizes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a control unit, bag conveyor, printer unit, guide plates, and feeder assembly that prints and severs tags with a width larger than height, using compressed air to prevent curling and jamming, and feeds them directly to a sewing machine for attachment, allowing for continuous feeding and adjustment for various tag sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If tags are printed and fed separately to sewing machines, then individual tag printing is achieved, but tag curling and jamming occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the printing unit and feeding mechanism into an integrated system where tags are printed and fed in a unified process. The printing unit includes a print head, platen, and cutting mechanism that work together with the feeding rollers to continuously feed printed tags to the sewing machine without separation, eliminating curling and jamming issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feed dog mechanism as an intermediary component between the printing unit and sewing machine. The feed dog has teeth that engage with the tagged fabric and positively transport it through the feeding path, ensuring reliable tag delivery without curling or jamming.
2Device complexity
If fixed-size tags are used, then simple printing is achieved, but adaptability to different tag sizes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable feeding rollers with variable diameter and spacing that can be dynamically configured for different tag sizes. The feed dog mechanism also allows adjustment of tooth spacing and engagement depth, enabling the system to adapt to various tag dimensions while maintaining a relatively simple printing mechanism.
3Productivity
If tags are fed continuously to sewing machines, then productivity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous feeding mechanism where printing, cutting, and feeding operations occur in an unbroken sequence. The feeding rollers and feed dog operate continuously to transport tags from the printing unit to the sewing machine without interruption, maximizing productivity through uninterrupted tag attachment.
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 system ensures efficient, flat tag attachment to bags without curling or jamming, enabling longer supply roll usage and easier installation, with the ability to print and attach tags of varying sizes, and continuous feeding to sewing machines for seamless integration.
Implementation Method 1
a compressed air line blowing compressed air onto the tag being dispensed from the printer unit to the feeder assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A method of printing a tag and attaching the tag to a bag for printing, severing and feeding non-curled tags to sewing machines. The method of printing a tag and attaching the tag to a bag comprising providing a control unit, a bag conveyor, a bag switch, a printer unit, a guide plate sensor, and a feeder assembly; feeding print material into the printer unit through a side entry port; printing and severing a tag; dispensing the tag from an exit port of the printer unit to the staging assembly; and subsequently dispensing the tag upon demand into the feeder assembly for movement to the tag attaching system.