Printer Cutter Control for Incremental Identifier Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers lack convenience in cutting settings for printed matter when incrementing a print identifier, as they only allow for full-cutting after all printed matter is formed, leading to operator inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A printer with a feeder, printing-head, and cutter that allows for incremental print identifier settings and cutting mode configurations at specific boundaries between printed matter, enabling partial cutting and full-cutting options based on operator input, improving convenience by allowing cutting at predetermined positions during production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the print-receiving tape is cut only after the entire plurality of printed matter has been formed, then the printing process is simple and automated, but the operator convenience is reduced due to lack of cutting flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting mode is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The system can switch between continuous printing mode and cutting mode based on operator input, allowing the cutting behavior to adapt to different operational needs. The cutter can be controlled to cut at specific positions during printing based on the print identifier increment settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines when to cut based on the print identifier increment settings and receiver input. The control unit monitors the printing process and automatically activates the cutter at appropriate positions without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-regulating while maintaining operator control over cutting timing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cutting modes are added to improve operator convenience, then cutting flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed to handle multiple cutting modes (continuous cutting, periodic cutting, manual cutting) within a single integrated system. The same control unit that manages printing also manages cutting operations, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated cutting control mechanisms for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting control is segmented into different modes that can be independently configured through the receiver. Each cutting mode can be set up separately, allowing operators to select and configure only the specific cutting behavior needed for their task, rather than managing a monolithic complex control system.
3Speed
If the cutter operates independently of the printing process, then cutting speed is improved, but the coordination between printing and cutting becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives feedback from both the printing process (through the printing head control) and the cutting process (through the cutter control). This feedback mechanism allows the system to coordinate printing and cutting operations smoothly, adjusting the timing and positioning of cuts based on the actual printing progress while maintaining high cutting speed.
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
Enables efficient and convenient production of printed matter with incremental identifiers, allowing for partial and full cutting options, enhancing operator control and reducing post-production handling complexity.
Implementation Method 1
print formation of the print object (characters and symbols) is performed by printing means (a thermal head) on a print-receiving tape
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure discloses a printer comprising a printing-head, a cutter, a print object receiving portion, an increment mode receiving portion, a cutting mode receiving portion, and a printing control portion. The printer continually produces a plurality of printed matter wherein the print object is respectively formed in a predetermined order. The print object receiving portion receives an input operation for the print object which is disposed in at least one block that includes a print identifier that can be incremented. The increment mode receiving portion receives a setup operation for an increment mode. The cutting mode receiving portion receives a setup operation for a cutting mode at a boundary. The printing control portion controls the feeder and the printing-head to generate a plurality of the printed matter in which is respectively formed the print object which includes the print identifier incremented, and which is cut using the cutting mode.