Segmented Cartridge Case for Tape Printer Label Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label tape cartridges require manual rotation of the tape roll to feed the label tape into the cartridge case, making it cumbersome to post-insert a new label tape while maintaining the ink ribbon.
Innovation Solution
The cartridge design includes a cartridge case with a third case portion, a first case portion that can be attached and detached from the third case portion, a second case portion separated from the first case portion, and a fourth case portion separated from the first case portion. This configuration allows for a tape feed port and a tape insertion port, enabling the leading edge of the tape to be easily fed out without manual rotation of the tape roll.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional label tape cartridge design is used with a single integrated case, then the structure is simple, but manual rotation of the tape roll is required to feed the label tape, making the operation cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge case is divided into multiple separate portions (first case portion, second case portion, third case portion, fourth case portion) that can be assembled in different configurations. This segmentation allows the tape feed port and tape insertion port to be positioned optimally for easy operation, while the modular structure itself manages the complexity through standardized connection interfaces between portions.
2Ease of operation
If the cartridge case is made as a single integrated unit, then the structural strength is high, but the tape roll cannot be easily accessed for replacement or refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge case is segmented into multiple portions that can be detached from each other. The first case portion can be separated from the second case portion, allowing operators to access the tape roll for replacement or refilling without damaging the overall structural integrity. The connection portions between case portions are designed to maintain sufficient strength during normal operation while allowing easy detachment when needed.
3Ease of operation
If the tape insertion port is positioned to allow easy tape insertion, then the operation is simplified, but the ink ribbon may not remain intact
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into functionally separate portions: the second case portion accommodates the ink ribbon while the first case portion accommodates the tape roll. The tape insertion port is positioned on the first case portion, allowing tape insertion without disturbing the ink ribbon in the second case portion. This spatial separation through segmentation ensures that tape insertion operations do not compromise ink ribbon integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tape insertion function is extracted and positioned separately from the ink ribbon storage area. The tape insertion port is located on the first case portion, which can be accessed independently from the second case portion containing the ink ribbon. This extraction allows tape insertion operations to be performed without affecting the ink ribbon, maintaining its integrity while simplifying the insertion process.
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge configured to be mounted on a tape printer, the cartridge including a cartridge case in which the cartridge case includes a third case portion, a first case portion configured to accommodate a tape roll, and a second case portion and a fourth case portion that are separate from the first case portion, and a tape feed port through which a tape fed from the tape roll is fed out of the cartridge case, and a tape insertion port into which the tape pulled out from the tape roll is configured to be inserted in a first direction from one end portion in a width direction of the tape, so that a leading edge of the tape comes out of the cartridge case from the tape feed port, are provided between the second case portion and the fourth case portion.