Container Labeling Device Neck Handling Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container labeling devices require containers to be threaded through central recesses and spreading fingers, leading to different infeed and outfeed transport levels, which complicates integration with other machinery and results in less precise labeling, especially in bottling plants.
Innovation Solution
A device with holding devices for the container mouth-side sections, spreading devices for label sleeves, and positioning devices for relative movement from the bottom to the mouth-side, allowing for neck handling and constant transport level maintenance, eliminating the need for threading through spreading devices and enabling compact integration with other machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If containers are threaded through central recesses and spreading fingers for labeling, then label sleeves can be applied to containers, but infeed and outfeed transport levels become different and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of threading containers through spreading fingers from bottom to top, the invention inverts the approach by having containers pass through the mouth area from top to bottom. The spreading fingers are positioned above the container mouth and move downward, allowing containers to be guided into position and labeled while maintaining the same transport level throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spatial arrangement by moving the spreading fingers from a horizontal configuration (side wall area) to a vertical configuration above the container mouth. This dimensional change allows containers to be handled at a constant transport level while still achieving precise labeling, eliminating the need for complex threading mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If containers are guided standing in lower side wall area before labeling, then containers can be positioned, but production tolerances affect labeling precision and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary positioning of containers at the mouth area before the labeling process begins. By establishing correct container position and orientation at this critical stage, the system ensures that subsequent labeling operations achieve high precision without needing to compensate for positioning errors made earlier in the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical guiding mechanisms that rely on container orientation in side wall areas with a simpler system that positions containers at the mouth area using controlled downward movement of spreading fingers. This substitution reduces the impact of production tolerances on final labeling precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If containers are threaded through spreading fingers, then label sleeves can be applied, but the process requires multiple transport levels and reduces integration capability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal labeling mechanism where containers can be handled and labeled at a constant transport level using the mouth-area positioning system. This multi-functional approach allows the same mechanism to work with different container types and integrates seamlessly with blow molding and filling machines, eliminating the need for separate threading and guiding systems.
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
This solution allows for precise labeling at a constant transport level, simplifies the labeling process, and facilitates compact integration with blow molding and filling machines, reducing complexity and improving labeling precision.
Implementation Method 1
stretching elastic film sleeves over the container surface
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The labeling device (1) comprises a retaining unit (4) used for holding the mouth-side portion (5a) of the container (5), and a spreading device (6) for receiving and spreading the label sleeves. A positioning unit (11) sets the labeling position of the retaining unit and/or the spreading device, such that the label sleeves are positioned on each of the containers, through the relative movement of the label sleeves by the bottom portion (5c) of the container towards the mouth-side portion of the container. An independent claim is included for a method for labeling containers with label sleeves.