Dual Carousel Container Labeling Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container labeling machines face challenges in achieving high production rates without incurring significant capital and logistical costs, particularly when operating at speeds that exceed the capabilities of labeling assemblies, especially in triple block systems where splitting the packaging line is impractical.
Innovation Solution
The machine employs two carousels with associated labeling assemblies and a selection star conveyor system that alternates container routing between the carousels, allowing each labeling assembly to operate below maximum speed while maintaining high production rates without requiring complex modifications or additional packaging lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single labeling machine with one carousel is used, then the structure is simple, but the production rate is limited by the labeling assembly speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the labeling function into multiple independent carousels, each with its own labeling assembly. This segmentation allows the system to process multiple containers simultaneously, increasing production rate without requiring a single complex ultra-fast labeling assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple carousels with multiple labeling assemblies into a single integrated machine. This merging approach increases throughput by processing multiple containers in parallel while maintaining a unified machine structure that avoids the complexity of multiple separate machines.
2Productivity
If two labeling machines are provided to double the production rate, then the production rate increases, but the capital expenditure and line complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple carousels and labeling assemblies into a single machine unit, allowing the system to achieve high production rates without requiring multiple separate machines. This consolidation maintains packaging line simplicity while doubling or tripling throughput capacity.
3Productivity
If the number of labeling assemblies per carousel is increased to reduce individual assembly speed requirements, then the production rate increases, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the labeling function across multiple carousels with independent labeling assemblies. This segmentation allows each assembly to operate at moderate speeds while the overall system achieves high throughput through parallel processing, avoiding the complexity of coordinating multiple assemblies on a single carousel.
Data Source
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AI summary
A container labeling machine, which comprises a base structure (2) which forms a region (3) for the input of the containers to be labeled (4) and at least one region (5) for the output of the labeled containers (6) and supports means (7) for the conveyance of the containers (4, 6) from the input region (3) to the output region (5), at least one container labeling assembly being provided along the conveyance means. According to the invention, the conveyance means (7) comprise at least two carousels (8a, 8b) provided with respective supporting plates for individual containers. At least one respective labeling assembly (10a, 10b) is associated with each one of the carousels (8a, 8b). The conveyance means (7) furthermore comprise, substantially at the input region (3), means for sorting the containers fed to the input region (3) toward one and the other of the carousels (8a, 8b) and comprise means for unloading the labeled containers (6) from the carousels (8a, 8b) and for sending the labeled containers (6) toward the output region (5).