Carousel Movable Sensor for Label Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current carousels for processing containers with labeling stations require a significant angular portion for sensor-based label control, leading to increased complexity and space occupation, and necessitate frequent adjustments when container formats change.
Innovation Solution
A carousel with a movable sensor control device that can transition between initial and final angular positions, allowing for efficient scanning of multiple labels on containers without the need for multiple sensors, and integrating motor means for synchronized motion with the carousel rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to control multiple labels on containers, then the label control coverage is improved, but the device complexity and space occupation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single sensor is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting different labels at different angular positions during carousel rotation. The sensor controls front labels, rear labels, and other label elements sequentially as containers pass through different angular positions, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated sensors for each label type.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system transitions from a static arrangement where each sensor is fixed for a specific label position to a dynamic system where a single sensor moves angularly relative to the carousel rotation. This dynamic positioning allows one sensor to cover multiple label positions that would otherwise require multiple fixed sensors.
2Measurement precision
If a significant angular portion of the carousel is dedicated to label control operations, then the label inspection precision is improved, but the overall space occupation and processing speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is configured to move angularly in synchronization with carousel rotation, allowing label inspection to occur across a reduced angular portion of the carousel. The sensor can dynamically adjust its detection timing and angular position to maintain inspection precision while minimizing the space and time required for control operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal and angular parameters of sensor operation to optimize the balance between inspection precision and processing speed. By adjusting when and where the single sensor performs detections during carousel rotation, the system achieves adequate label control coverage without dedicating excessive angular portions to control operations.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are arranged on the carousel for comprehensive label control, then the label detection capability is improved, but the time required for sensor replacement and adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
Since a single sensor performs the function of multiple sensors, maintenance and replacement involve only one sensor unit rather than multiple sensors. This universal sensor design simplifies the repair process and reduces the time required for sensor replacement or adjustment when format changes occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The single movable sensor system replaces multiple fixed sensors, meaning that when sensor adjustment or replacement is needed, only one sensor needs to be accessed and modified rather than multiple sensors distributed across different angular positions. This significantly reduces maintenance complexity and time.
Data Source
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AI summary
A carousel (1) for processing containers, comprising a base structure (2) that can rotate about the rotation axis (100) of the carousel (1) and supports a plurality of supporting elements (3) that are mutually angularly spaced and are intended to support a respective container (10) to be processed, the base structure (2) being associated with at least one station (30) for labeling the containers (10); the carousel comprises a device (4) for controlling at least one label (10a, 10a', 10b, etc.) applied by the labeling station (30) to a respective container (10) that is arranged, along the carousel (1), downstream of the at least one labeling station (30), the control device (4) comprising at least one sensor (5) that can move around the rotation axis (100) of the carousel (1) between an initial angular position and a final angular position and vice versa, during the movement from the initial angular position to the final angular position said at least one sensor (5) being functionally associated with a container (10), which can move around the rotation axis (100) of the carousel (1), in order to control at least one label (10a, 10a', 10b) applied to the container (10).