Segmented Roller Label Roll Core for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing label rolls in shipment lockers require significant time and effort to replace, especially when access is restricted or when machines are not frequently used, leading to inefficiencies and space constraints due to the need for large rolls.
Innovation Solution
A label roll design featuring a roll core with multiple rollers distributed around its circumference, allowing for longer label tapes to be wound in a space-saving manner without the need for the roll core to rotate, enabling flexible shape adaptation and reliable unwinding via fixed rollers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If large circular roll cores are used to accommodate long label tapes, then the label roll capacity is increased, but the space required in the label compartment increases and the replacement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roll core is segmented into multiple smaller rollers distributed around its circumference. Instead of using one large circular roll core, the invention divides it into several smaller rollers (at least three, preferably four or more) arranged in a circular pattern. Each roller independently supports a portion of the wound label tape, allowing the label tape to be distributed around the rollers rather than wrapped around a single large core. This segmentation enables the same label tape capacity to be achieved with a more compact overall structure, reducing the space required in the label compartment.
2Quantity of substance
If large circular roll cores are used to accommodate long label tapes, then the label roll capacity is increased, but the time and effort required for replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented roller design allows for more compact label roll configurations that can be more easily handled and replaced. The non-circular cross-section of the roll core (when viewed from the front) allows the label roll to be inserted and removed more efficiently, reducing replacement time and effort while maintaining adequate label tape capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The roll core is designed with a non-circular cross-section when viewed from the front, with rollers distributed around its circumference. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the space utilization and allows for more efficient insertion and removal of the label roll during replacement operations, reducing the time and effort required for maintenance.
3Device complexity
If the roll core rotates to dispense label tape, then the dispensing mechanism is simplified, but the roll core must be large and circular which increases space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the traditional approach where the roll core rotates to dispense the label tape, this invention inverts the mechanism: the roll core remains stationary and does not rotate. Instead, the label tape is unwound from the stationary roll core by external forces (such as a take-up roller or dispensing mechanism). This inversion allows the roll core to have a non-circular cross-section with multiple smaller rollers, significantly reducing the space required in the label compartment while maintaining effective label tape dispensing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes, and illustrates, a label roll having a roll core and having a label tape, which is wound up onto the roll core. In order that the amount of time and effort required for changing over the label rolls can be reduced without a disproportionately large amount of space having to be provided for the label compartment, provision is made for the roll core to have a plurality of rollers distributed over its circumference, around which the label tape is wound.