Printer Corner Trimming and Jam Prevention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Label printers face issues with labels peeling from target objects at right-angle corners and manual trimming being time-intensive, and sequential full cuts causing jamming due to residual label pieces.
Innovation Solution
A printer with a cutting device that makes trim cuts in the corners of printed labels and a conveying device that positions the printing medium for precise cutting, including a trim-cutting device that cuts the base material and a partial-cutting device to prevent jamming by maintaining the release paper connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual trimming is performed to prevent label peeling, then label application reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-intensive manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting device automatically trims label corners during the printing process without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by integrating the trimming function into the automated printing workflow, eliminating the need for separate manual trimming operations while maintaining label quality and preventing peeling issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner trimming is performed automatically during the printing process before the labels are fully produced and before manual handling occurs. By performing the trimming action in advance as part of the automated workflow, the system prevents peeling issues before they occur and eliminates subsequent manual trimming steps.
2Manufacturing precision
If sequential full cuts are made to separate labels, then manufacturing precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to jamming from residual label pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting process is segmented into two distinct operations: first, a full cut that completely separates the label from the printing medium, and second, a partial cut that creates a perforation line for easy manual separation. This segmentation allows the label to be precisely cut while maintaining connection through the partial cut, preventing jamming during conveyance while enabling clean separation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making a single complete cut, the system performs a partial cut that extends only partway through the printing medium. This partial action leaves sufficient material connection to prevent jamming during conveyance while still achieving the necessary separation for label removal, balancing precision with reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If corner trimming is performed manually after printing, then label shape precision is improved, but loss of time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The corner trimming operation is merged with the printing process itself. The cutting device is integrated into the printing system so that trimming occurs automatically during or immediately after printing without requiring separate manual operations. This combination eliminates the time loss associated with separate trimming steps while maintaining precise corner shaping.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing system automatically performs corner trimming as part of its own workflow without requiring external manual intervention. The system serves its own need for precise corner shaping by integrating the cutting function directly into the printing process, eliminating the time-consuming manual trimming step entirely.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a conveying device that conveys a printing medium and a cutting device that makes a trim cut in at least one of a plurality of corners of a region where a printed material has been printed. The conveying device conveys the printing medium to the cutting device before the cut is made.