Printer Height Adjustment for Random-Height Package Printing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for providing information on packages, such as adhesive labels, require additional steps and materials, and are complicated by the need to accommodate packages of varying sizes and heights.
Innovation Solution
A printing system that adjusts its height to accommodate packages of different heights, using a lifter to raise the printer to the appropriate height for each package, allowing direct printing on the package surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If adhesive labels are used to provide information on containers, then information can be provided on the container surface, but additional steps (printing and affixing) and additional materials (label material and adhesive) are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the printing function and the container surface into a single integrated process. Instead of separating label printing and label affixing into distinct steps, the system directly prints information onto the container surface itself, eliminating the need for intermediate label materials and adhesive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediary label material and adhesive from the information provision process. By printing directly on the container surface, the system removes these unnecessary intermediate elements, simplifying the overall process while maintaining the information provision function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-height printer is used, then the printer structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate containers of different heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic height adjustment mechanism for the printer that allows it to adapt to different container heights. The printer can move vertically along the conveyor system, transitioning from a fixed position to an adjustable position that matches the height of each container being processed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal printing system that can handle containers of various heights through the height-adjustable printer mechanism. This single printing system serves multiple functions by accommodating different container sizes, eliminating the need for separate printing systems for different container types.
3Productivity
If the printer is moved manually to adjust height, then the printer can be positioned for different containers, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous printing operation by integrating the height adjustment mechanism into the continuous conveyor flow. The printer adjusts its height automatically as containers pass through the printing zone, eliminating stoppages and manual intervention, thus maintaining continuous productive action without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer system performs self-adjustment of its height position automatically based on the container height detected during conveyance. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual operator intervention, reducing adjustment time and maintaining high productivity levels.
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 direct printing on packages of varying heights without the need for additional labels or materials, improving print quality and reducing the risk of damage to the printer.
Implementation Method 1
A conveyer, for example a high-friction belt, moves the package or other item to be printed on into a printing area between the printer and the belt
Implementation Method 2
A conveyer, for example a high-friction belt, moves the package or other item to be printed on into a printing area between the printer and the belt
Implementation Method 3
The printing system may additionally include a damper operatively coupled to the printer and the lifter, to damp movement of the printer relative to the frame as the printer is lifted by the lifter
Implementation Method 4
The printing system may additionally include springs that engage the printer and the frame, to bias the printer to a default height relative to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system that allows printing directly on surfaces of random-height packages includes features to adjust the height of a printer to accommodate differences in heights of different packages. A macro adjustment of printer height may made of the printer relative to a frame. A conveyer, for example a high-friction belt, moves the package into a printing region between the printer and the belt, where the printer prints information on the package, such as address information and/or other information that might normally be printed on a label. The printer height may be adjusted by a lifter that raises the printer relative to the frame to an individual height suitable for printing on that package. As the package passes through the printing region the printer may be maintained at that individual adjusted height suitable for that particular package.