Carousel Guard Structure With Segmented Panels for Labeling Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labeling machines have complex and cumbersome protection structures that are difficult to manufacture, use, and ensure safety, as they require intricate movements between open and closed conditions, and do not provide complete accessibility to the carousel.
Innovation Solution
A labeling machine with a protection structure featuring a profiled bar with longitudinal slots for easy attachment of closure panels and grip handles, allowing the structure to be simplified and easily moved between active and inactive states, ensuring secure access to the carousel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protection structures are made movable between open and closed conditions to prevent access to the carousel, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to intricate movement mechanisms required
Solution Approach 1:
The protection structure is divided into multiple independent panels (first panel, second panel, third panel, fourth panel) that can move separately. Each panel is attached to the support structure and can be independently positioned between active (closed) and inactive (open) conditions, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection structure employs movable panels that can dynamically transition between closed and open positions. The panels are designed to be movable along the support structure, allowing operators to access the carousel when needed while maintaining protection when not in use.
2Ease of operation
If protection structures use hinged doors or sliding panels to move between open and closed conditions, then access control is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to complex assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The protection structure consists of multiple discrete panels (first, second, third, and fourth panels) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled to the support structure, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes compared to monolithic designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides the framework for the protection panels, acts as the mounting structure for the carousel, and enables the movement mechanism for the panels. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
3Reliability
If protection structures are designed to completely enclose the carousel when closed, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as accessibility from outside is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protection panels are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to transition between a closed position that provides safety and an open position that provides accessibility. The panels can be easily moved between these states by operators.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than a single enclosing structure, the protection system uses multiple separate panels that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows partial access while maintaining overall protection, balancing safety and accessibility needs.
Data Source
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AI summary
A labeling machine comprising a base structure (2) which rotatably supports a conveyance carousel (3) for the containers to be labeled and at least one protection structure (6) which can move, with respect to the base structure (2), from an active condition, in which it prevents access from the outside to at least one portion of the conveyance carousel (3), to an inactive condition, in which it allows access from the outside to the at least one portion of the conveyance carousel (3), and vice versa. According to the invention, the protection structure (6) comprises a supporting framework (7) for components (8) of the protection structure (6), which comprises a profiled bar (11) having an arc-like extension around the axis of the conveyance carousel (3), which is arranged above the base structure (2) and forms at least one engagement seat (12) for means (13) for fixing to the supporting framework (7) at least one of the components (8).