Tape Printer Feed Mechanism for Minimizing Image Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tape printers face inefficiencies in minimizing the image distance between successive print processes, leading to wasteful consumption of tape due to excessive forward feed after cutting, which results in a blank at the downstream end of the tape.
Innovation Solution
The tape printer employs a feed mechanism that adjusts the pre-print and post-print feed directions and amounts based on whether a cut operation has been performed, allowing for reduced image distance between print processes by feeding backward during pre-print operations and forward during post-print operations, with optional manual control for cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the tape printer performs post-print feed to position the upstream-side end of the printed image on the downstream side of the cut position, then the printed part can be separated cleanly, but the image distance between successive print processes increases causing tape wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing backward feed before the print process when no cut operation is scheduled. This positions the tape in advance to minimize the image distance between successive prints, preventing excessive tape consumption while maintaining print position accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the feed mechanism adaptable - it performs backward feed when no cut operation follows, and forward feed when cut operation is scheduled. This dynamic adjustment optimizes tape usage based on the specific printing scenario
2Loss of substance
If the tape printer feeds the tape backward by a distance greater than the distance between print position and cut position, then the image distance between successive prints is minimized, but the downstream-side end of the tape may be fed to the upstream side of the print position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback by detecting whether a cut operation has been performed and adjusting the feed direction and amount accordingly. When cut operation is detected, backward feed amount is limited to prevent over-feeding; when no cut operation, maximum backward feed is applied to minimize image distance
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a tape printer including a feed portion, a feed path, a print portion, and a cut portion. The feed portion performs pre-print feed to feed a tape before a print process and post-print feed to feed the tape after the print process. In addition, the feed portion feeds the tape forward as the post-print feed such that the upstream-side end of an image printed on the tape is positioned on the downstream side of a cut position and the tape backward as the pre-print feed when the cut portion has not performed a cut operation after the post-print feed at the time of starting the following print process.