Carrier Tape Labeling Acceleration Path Extension

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

High web tensions during the acceleration of carrier tapes in labelers can lead to tearing, especially at increased production speeds, as the forces acting on the tape become excessive.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a second, opposing conveying movement that extends the acceleration path of the carrier tape before or during the first conveying movement, allowing for lower acceleration values and reduced forces on the tape, thereby preventing tearing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the carrier tape is conveyed accelerated to the release area to increase production speed, then productivity is improved, but web tension increases causing the carrier tape to tear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction speedVSAvoidcarrier tape integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The release element is moved counter to the conveying direction before acceleration to pre-position it for optimal label release during the subsequent accelerated movement, ensuring smooth operation without excessive forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Force

If the acceleration path is extended by moving the release element counter to conveying direction, then forces on the carrier tape are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweb tensionVSAvoidrelease element movement mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The release element serves multiple functions: it positions labels for release, extends the acceleration path, and can be moved in the counter direction to optimize the acceleration profile, reducing web tension while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure

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

Data Source

PatentEP3210899B1Method and device for applying labels to products
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 FOCKE & CO (GMBH & CO KG)
  • EP3210899B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3210899B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3210899B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for applying labels (11) to products, in particular to blanks or material webs (12) for packaging for tobacco products, in which a carrier belt (14) with labels (11) arranged on it is conveyed to an area (15) in a first, accelerated conveying movement, in which at least one label (11) is detached from the carrier belt (14) - detachment area - , characterized in that the carrier belt (14) is moved away from the detachment area (15) by a preferably also accelerated, in particular opposite conveying movement, in order to extend the path along which the carrier belt (14) with the labels (11) arranged on it is conveyed to the detachment area (15) by a preferably also accelerated second, in particular opposite conveying movement, which is temporally prior to or superimposed on the first conveying movement.