Printing Apparatus Tape Feed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses waste tape by idly feeding it between the thermal head and cutter mechanism after label printing, as they lack a process to determine if continuous printing is needed, leading to unnecessary tape consumption.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a control circuit that inquires the user about continuing printing after completing the first set of contents, allowing for efficient use of tape by preventing idle feeding and cutting only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the printing apparatus feeds the print receiving tape idly by the distance defined between the thermal head and the cutter mechanism after label printing, then the tape is prepared for the next printing operation, but the tape is consumed wastefully when continuous printing is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit inquires of the user whether or not to continue printing after the current label printing is completed. Based on this feedback, the system determines whether to execute the idle feeding process. If the user indicates no continuation is needed, the idle feeding is skipped, preventing unnecessary tape consumption while maintaining operational flexibility
2Productivity
If the printing apparatus executes the idle feeding process after label printing, then the tape is positioned for continuous printing, but the process adds unnecessary complexity when continuous printing is not required
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit dynamically adjusts the printing process based on user input. After completing label printing, the system inquires whether the user wants to continue printing. Based on this dynamic response, the control circuit either executes the idle feeding process for continuous printing or skips it to conserve tape resources, making the system adaptable rather than rigid
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
This approach reduces tape waste by ensuring only necessary tape is fed and cut, allowing for continuous printing when desired and conserving tape resources.
Implementation Method 1
a printing head which prints on a tape
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a printing apparatus, including a printing head that prints on a tape, a roller that conveys the tape, and a control circuit that inquires of the user whether or not second printing contents are printed on the tape continuously without any interruption after the printing device is caused to print first printing contents on the tape.