Wire Pin Label Cutting Mechanism for Shape Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing label cutting machines struggle to quickly adapt to changes in label shape, requiring the replacement of rollers and making it difficult to respond to shape changes effectively.

Innovation Solution

A label cutting device equipped with a wire pin moving mechanism and a cutting controller that allows for precise control of wire pins to cut label paper based on print data, enabling flexible shape changes and adjustable striking force, along with a striking force controller to adjust the depth of cuts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a roller with cutting edges is used to cut labels, then cutting function is achieved, but changing label shape requires roller replacement which reduces adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to change label shapeVSAvoidroller replacement mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical roller cutting system with a wire pin-based cutting system. Instead of using a rotating roller with cutting edges that requires physical replacement to change shapes, the invention uses programmable wire pins that can be controlled to create different cutting patterns. This substitution of mechanical roller replacement with programmable wire pin control directly resolves the contradiction by improving adaptability while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the controlling parameter from physical roller configuration to programmable wire pin positioning. By controlling the positions and movements of wire pins through software/program control rather than physically changing rollers, the system achieves flexible shape changes. This parameter change from mechanical configuration to digital control resolves the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If wire pins are used to cut label paper based on print data, then cutting precision conforming to print area is achieved, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wire pin moving mechanism serves multiple functions: it positions wire pins according to print data, controls the cutting depth through striking force adjustment, and adapts to different label shapes. By making the wire pin system multi-functional rather than requiring separate mechanisms for positioning, cutting, and depth control, the patent achieves high manufacturing precision while managing control system complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If striking force is adjusted to control cut depth, then cutting flexibility is improved, but force control precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting depth controlVSAvoidstriking force precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a striking force controller that monitors and adjusts the force applied by wire pins during cutting. By implementing feedback control, the system can maintain precise striking force levels despite variations in material properties or positioning. This feedback mechanism enables cutting depth flexibility while compensating for the inherent challenges of force control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 easy modification of cut shapes and depths in label paper, allowing for precise cutting conforming to printing areas and the ability to cut through both labels and liners or just labels, improving adaptability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the wire pin moving mechanism has a drive coil that drives the wire pins; the cutting controller drives the wire pin moving mechanism by energizing the drive coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

strike the label paper on the conveyance path with the wire pins, and cut the label paper based on print data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP3173243B1Label die cutting machine, printing device, and label die cutting method
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP3173243B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3173243B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3173243B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A label die cutting device enables easily changing the shape of the die cut made in label paper. A printer 1 has a print unit 7 and a die cutting process unit 8 (label die cutting device). The die cutting process unit 8 has a conveyance path 9 for conveying the label paper 5, a die cutting unit including wire pins 41 and a wire pin drive mechanism 42 for advancing and retracting the wire pins 41, and a die cutting controller 68 for driving the wire pin drive mechanism 42 to strike the wire pins 41 against the label paper 5 on the conveyance path 9 and die cut the label paper 5 based on print data. The die cutting unit is a wire dot head 27.