Docking Module Side Panel Access for Labeling Machine Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern labeling machines with docking modules have complex designs that hinder accessibility and component replacement due to the placement of electrical communication and print medium assemblies on the back, making maintenance and service time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The docking module is redesigned with electrical and print medium assemblies housed in a side panel, allowing easy access and manual operation, and integrated into a control cabinet-like structure for protection and visibility, with features like height-adjustable feet and removable covers for improved accessibility and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If electrical communication and print medium assemblies are installed on the back of the frame, then the docking module can be compact, but accessibility for service and component replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the electrical communication and print medium assemblies from the back of the frame to the side panel of the docking module. This spatial reconfiguration allows service personnel to access components from the side rather than requiring removal of the entire docking module, thereby improving accessibility while maintaining compact integration through the side-mounted control cabinet structure
2Area of stationary object
If assemblies are placed on the back of the docking module, then installation space is saved, but component replacement requires removal of the docking module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the docking module into functional zones with the electrical communication and print medium assemblies housed in a dedicated control cabinet structure on the side panel. This segmentation allows independent access and replacement of these components without requiring removal of the entire docking module from the labeling machine, significantly reducing replacement time while maintaining efficient space utilization
3Device complexity
If the docking module is designed with integrated assemblies, then the structure is compact, but complexity increases due to monitoring and control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control cabinet-like structure as an intermediary housing on the side panel that contains the electrical communication and print medium assemblies. This intermediary structure provides a dedicated service access point with transparent or translucent covers, allowing operators to monitor and service components without complex disassembly procedures, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining integrated compact design
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a docking module A for labelling machines M, comprising: a frame (3) in which a docking station S having at least one multi-coupling K1, K2 for an optionally dockable labelling unit E is arranged in a vertically adjustable manner; and an electrical and/or mechanical switching group and/or control unit 14 installed on the frame 3; wherein said frame and said switching group and/or control unit are arranged on the docking module A so as to be laterally accessible at or in a side wall 4a of the frame 3.