Device and cleaning unit for cleaning a glue roller of a labeling station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual cleaning of glue rollers in labeling machines is hazardous, time-consuming, and often postponed due to high temperatures required for effective cleaning, leading to suboptimal labeling performance and increased machine downtime.
Innovation Solution
A modular cleaning unit that can be inserted into the labeling machine, equipped with heatable cleaning tools and a suction device, allowing for automated and efficient cleaning of the glue roller at high temperatures, minimizing human intervention and reducing the risk of accidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning is performed on the glue roller, then cleaning can be carried out, but the risk of burns to maintenance personnel increases due to high temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device performs cleaning automatically without requiring manual intervention. The device includes a cleaning element that contacts the glue roller surface and a drive mechanism that moves the cleaning element along the roller, enabling the system to clean itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated mechanical cleaning system. The cleaning device uses a driven cleaning element (such as a brush or scraper) that is mechanically moved along the glue roller by a drive mechanism, substituting human labor with automated machinery
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual cleaning is postponed until labeling performance degrades, then safety risk is reduced, but productivity decreases due to longer machine shutdown times
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device enables continuous or frequent cleaning operations without interrupting the labeling process. The automated cleaning can be performed during operation or with minimal downtime, maintaining consistent labeling performance by preventing glue buildup that would otherwise degrade performance
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device allows cleaning to be performed before labeling performance degrades to an intolerable level. By enabling easy, safe, and rapid cleaning, the system allows maintenance personnel to clean the glue roller proactively during scheduled maintenance windows rather than waiting for performance degradation
3Manufacturing precision
If mechanical aids are used for manual cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but the glue roller surface may incur damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device uses a driven cleaning element with controlled mechanical properties. The drive mechanism controls the pressure and movement of the cleaning element (brush or scraper) against the glue roller surface, adjusting parameters such as contact force and cleaning speed to achieve effective cleaning without damaging the knurled surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces harsh manual mechanical cleaning tools (blades, needles) with a controlled mechanical cleaning system. The driven cleaning element applies gentle, controlled mechanical action through rotation or linear movement, achieving effective cleaning without the concentrated stress that would damage the roller surface
4Productivity
If the glue roller is cleaned when hot, then cleaning effectiveness improves due to reduced glue viscosity, but the danger of burns to personnel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device automatically performs cleaning on the hot glue roller without human contact. The automated system can safely handle the high-temperature roller by using a driven cleaning element that is mechanically moved along the roller surface, eliminating the need for personnel to manually handle hot surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual cleaning operations with an automated mechanical cleaning system. The driven cleaning element (brush or scraper) is mechanically propelled along the hot glue roller by a drive mechanism, substituting human hands and tools with automated machinery that can tolerate high temperatures
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 modular cleaning unit transforms the process into a safe and rapid operation, ensuring consistent cleaning quality and reducing machine downtime, while allowing for effective removal of debris even when the roller is hotter than safe for human handling.
Implementation Method 1
the heating element positioned to face the roller and configured to heat the roller
Implementation Method 2
the suction device positioned to face the roller and configured to exert a suction force on the roller
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for cleaning a surface of a glue roller of a labeling station that applies labels to containers includes a modular cleaning unit that one can insert into the apparatus to displace at least one segment of a multi-segment vacuum drum.