Heat-Shrink Label Applicator With Annular Pusher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for applying heat-shrink labels on conical containers, such as jars, face issues with label slippage during transport due to localized deformations and reduced productivity from simultaneous positioning and heat-shrinking processes.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a central cylindrical applicator with an annular pusher body and localized heating means that allows for rapid and uniform positioning of heat-shrink labels around containers, preventing slippage and enabling efficient heat-shrinking in two stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sleeve-like label is pushed upwards by angularly spaced protrusions during heat-shrinking, then the label is positioned on the container, but localized deformations occur on the label surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional angularly spaced protrusions with a continuous annular pusher body that distributes the pushing force uniformly across the entire label surface. This ensures that every point on the label receives equal support during the heat-shrinking process, eliminating localized deformations while maintaining effective label positioning.
2Ease of operation
If the sleeve-like label is pushed upwards by angularly spaced protrusions, then the label is positioned on the container, but vertical folds appear on the label
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous annular pusher body provides uniform distributed support across the label surface, preventing the concentration of forces that causes vertical folds. The smooth continuous surface of the pusher body ensures even force distribution, maintaining label surface smoothness while achieving proper positioning.
3Ease of operation
If the sleeve-like label is pushed upwards by angularly spaced protrusions, then the label is positioned on the container, but radial folds appear on the label
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous annular pusher body eliminates the discrete angular spacing of protrusions, providing uniform continuous support that prevents radial fold formation. This distributed force application across the entire label circumference maintains label surface smoothness while achieving effective positioning.
4Ease of operation
If the sleeve-like label is pushed upwards by angularly spaced protrusions, then the label is positioned on the container, but label slippage occurs during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous annular pusher body provides uniform distributed support across the entire label surface, ensuring complete contact and friction between the pusher and label. This uniform distribution prevents any localized slippage that could occur with angularly spaced protrusions, thereby ensuring label position stability during transport.
5Ease of operation
If the sleeve-like label is pushed upwards by angularly spaced protrusions, then the label is positioned on the container, but label tearing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous annular pusher body distributes the pushing force uniformly across the entire label surface, preventing stress concentration at specific points. This uniform force distribution eliminates the risk of label tearing that can occur when forces are concentrated at angularly spaced protrusions, thereby maintaining label integrity.
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
The solution ensures precise and rapid label positioning, reducing the risk of errors and increasing productivity by eliminating localized tensions and allowing for longer positioning times, thus enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
heating means 7 arranged at said application station (2) to activate partial heat-shrinking of said sleeve-like label (10) fitted around said respective container (3) to be labelled
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1) for applying heat-shrink labels (10), comprising at least one applicator (4), which is adapted to feed from below at least one sleeve- like heat-shrink label (10) around a respective container to be labelled (3), the applicator (4) comprising a central body (5), which is substantially cylindrical or shaped so as to conform to the shape of the lateral surface of the container to be labelled (3) and is designed to accommodate, around its own lateral surface (5a), a respective sleeve-like label (10) to be fed to the container to be labelled (3), an annular pusher body (6) being provided which is arranged coaxially and externally to the central body (5) and can perform a translational motion on command with respect to the central body (5) along the axis of the central body (5) in order to place the sleeve-like label (10) around the container to be labelled (3).