Bar Processing Labelling Assembly Pneumatic Suction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machines processing bars made of aluminum, light alloys, or PVC face productivity issues due to label detachment risks when applied to dirty bars and require stopping the feeding device, resulting in reduced productivity.

Innovation Solution

A machine design that includes a labelling assembly positioned upstream of the processing station, utilizing a suction gripping member connected to a pneumatic suction device, allowing label application while the bar moves, ensuring labels adhere properly without stopping the feeding device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the labelling assembly is positioned downstream of the processing station, then the label can be applied after machining, but the label is subject to detachment risk due to dust and processing chips on the bar surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel adhesionVSAvoiddust and processing chips on bar surface
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The labelling assembly is positioned upstream of the processing station so that the label is applied to the bar before machining operations. This preliminary action ensures the label is applied to a clean surface without dust or processing chips, eliminating the detachment risk that would occur if labelling were performed after machining.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the feeding device is stopped for label application, then the label can be applied to the bar, but productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel application accuracyVSAvoidprocessing throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The feeding device continues to move bars through the processing station without interruption while the labelling assembly applies labels upstream. This continuous operation maintains processing throughput while still achieving accurate label application, as the label is applied to the moving bar in its upstream position before the bar enters the processing station.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If the labelling assembly is positioned upstream of the processing station, then productivity is maintained by not stopping the feeding device, but the label application area is more constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing throughputVSAvoidlabelling assembly positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A suction gripping member connected to a pneumatic suction device is used to hold and position the label on the bar. The pneumatic system provides precise control over label application force and positioning, enabling accurate label placement in the constrained upstream area while maintaining continuous feeding device operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

Enhances productivity by enabling label application without interrupting the processing flow, maintaining cleanliness and ensuring label adhesion on bars, thus improving overall processing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a suction gripping member (38) connected to a pneumatic suction device, allowing label application while the bar moves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3175950B1Machine to process bars made of aluminium, light alloys, PVC or the like
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 FOM INDUSTRIE SRL
  • EP3175950B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3175950B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3175950B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A machine to process bars (2) made of aluminium, light alloys, PVC or the like has an elongated base (3), at least one processing station (21) to process and/or cut at least one bar (2); a feeding device (14) to feed the bar (2) along the base (3) and through the processing station (21), a labelling assembly (31) to apply at least one label (35) on each bar (2), and an operating device (33) to move the labelling assembly (31) along the base (3).