Curved Surface Label Applicator with Variable Force Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current label applicators for curved surfaces, such as Petri dishes, face challenges in applying labels without causing step loss in stepper motors due to sudden high forces, which can lead to synchronization issues and motor stalling, especially when dealing with objects of varying sizes and diameters.
Innovation Solution
A label applicator system that employs a four-stage applicator mechanism with resilient members, including springs and pneumatic devices, to gradually increase the application force, using adhesive members like suction cups and scanners to ensure accurate and secure label placement on curved surfaces, while preventing excessive force that could damage the object or motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a label applicator applies labels to curved surfaces using a resilient member guided by a cam system, then the label can be securely attached to the curved surface, but the sudden high force applied causes step loss in stepper motors leading to synchronization issues and motor stalling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the application force variable rather than constant. The force increases gradually as the label applicator approaches the curved surface, reaching maximum only at the moment of contact. This dynamic force application prevents motor stalling while ensuring secure label attachment, resolving the contradiction between reliable attachment and stable motor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of application force from a fixed high value to a variable value that changes over time and position. By controlling the force to increase gradually during the approach and apply only at contact, the system achieves both secure attachment and prevents motor step loss, resolving the technical contradiction.
2Reliability
If the label applicator applies high force to ensure secure label attachment on curved surfaces, then the label placement is secure, but objects of varying sizes and diameters may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic force application where the force level adapts to the contact event. Low force is maintained during approach to prevent damage to objects of varying sizes, then high force is applied only at the moment of contact to ensure secure attachment. This resolves the contradiction between secure placement and object protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by approaching the curved surface at a controlled low force before actual contact. This preliminary approach phase allows the system to prepare for attachment while maintaining safety, then transitions to high force only when contact is confirmed, preventing damage to objects of varying sizes.
3Reliability
If the label applicator uses a resilient member to apply force to curved surfaces, then label attachment is achieved, but sudden force application causes synchronization issues and motor stalling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the force parameter from sudden to gradual application. By controlling the force to increase progressively during the approach and apply only at contact, the system maintains motor synchronization while achieving reliable label attachment, resolving the contradiction between attachment reliability and manufacturing precision.
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
The system effectively reduces step loss in stepper motors by gradually applying force, allowing for precise label application on objects of different sizes and diameters without damaging them, ensuring accurate and reliable label placement and motor operation.
Implementation Method 1
A label applicator is provided which includes a resilient member configured to apply an increasing pressure to a curved side of an object
Implementation Method 2
the at least one first resilient member is selected from the group consisting of a spring and a pneumatic device
Implementation Method 3
an adhesive member on the second end of the at least one first resilient member. For example, the adhesive member may be selected from the group consisting of a suction cup, an adhesive surface, a magnet, and a vacuum tube
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A label applicator (100), system, and method for applying labels to curved sides of objects, such as cell culture dishes, is provided. The label applicator (100) includes a body (102) having a first side (104) and a second side (106), the second side (106) comprising a curved surface (126); a base (110); at least one first resilient member (112) having a defined length between a first end and a second end; and at least one second resilient member (118) engaging the body (102) and the base (110), wherein the second end of the at least one first resilient member (112) is configured to removably attach to a label and, when the label is in contact with the second end and an object, to apply a pressure to the label that increases as the at least one first resilient member (112) and at least one second resilient member (118) are compressed. The system may also include a label verifier and/or label verification system.