Decorative Element Application Device with Pre-Curing Adhesive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for applying decorative elements to three-dimensional objects like cylindrical bottles are inefficient, leading to adhesive running and inconsistent motif application due to the need for high UV intensity for curing and the complexity of handling curved surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a transport system, an application device with a pressure module and curing units that pre-hardens the adhesive before and after applying decorative material, allowing for flexible motif application and reduced UV intensity, along with a flexible pressure roller and adjustable deflection rollers for precise surface adaptation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If UV light is used to cure adhesive during decorative material application, then adhesive curing is achieved, but UV intensity must be considerably increased and adhesive may run on the surface before hardening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive curingVSAvoidUV intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive is pre-applied to the decorative material before the decorative material is transferred to the container. This preliminary application allows the adhesive to be in optimal position and state before curing, eliminating the need for high-intensity UV irradiation during the application process and preventing adhesive run-on.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If high UV intensity is used for curing adhesive, then adhesive hardening is achieved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive hardeningVSAvoidUV source intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive is applied to the decorative material in advance, allowing standard-intensity UV curing to occur before transfer. This eliminates the need for complex high-intensity UV systems during the application process, simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliable adhesive hardening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If adhesive is applied before decorative material transfer, then adhesive is available for bonding, but adhesive runs on the container surface before decoration material is applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive applicationVSAvoidmotif quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive is applied to the decorative material itself before transfer, rather than to the container surface. This preliminary positioning ensures the adhesive remains exactly where needed during transfer, preventing run-on while ensuring proper bonding contact when the decorative material is applied to the container.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If decorative material is pressed onto container with adhesive, then decorative elements are applied, but adhesive may flow and distort the motif

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecorative material applicationVSAvoidmotif consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive is applied to the decorative material before transfer and can be pre-cured or partially cured. This preliminary preparation ensures the adhesive maintains its shape and position during the pressing operation, preventing flow and distortion while still enabling effective bonding when pressed onto the container.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures high-quality decorative application with reduced adhesive flow and UV intensity, enabling flexible motif design and efficient use of materials on irregularly shaped containers.

Implementation Method 1

it is known from DE 10 2012 112 556 A1 to apply adhesive to the object in a first step and then the embossing film, consisting of a carrier strip and one on it, in a second step attached decoration material, pass the object and press. At the same time, the adhesive is cured through the decorative material, for example by means of UV light.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV curing: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

downstream of the application device there is a second hardening device which hardens the adhesive after the decorative material has been applied the surface of the container can harden

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV curing: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP3261843B1Device for applying decorative elements on containers
Publication Date: 2018.12.26 KRONES AG
  • EP3261843B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3261843B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3261843B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

Device for applying decorative elements to containers such as, for example, bottles, comprising a transport device for transporting containers, and provided with an application device, which can guide past a decorative material provided on a carrier strip on the surface of the container for applying at least one part of the decorative material to the surface of the container, and comprising a pressure module arranged upstream of the application device, which pressure module can apply an adhesive to defined regions of the decorative material and/or the surface of the container and comprising a first curing device arranged downstream of the pressure module and upstream of the application device, which curing device can pre-cure the adhesive before the decorative material on the surface of the container is guided past, and comprising a second curing device arranged downstream of the application device, which can cure the adhesive after the decorative material is applied to the surface of the container, and a corresponding method.