Dual-Radius Label Application Unit for Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label application units for containers face challenges in synchronizing the speeds of upper and lower application devices due to the differing tangential speeds required for bottle necks and bodies, leading to slipping issues and reduced productivity when trying to apply multiple labels simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A unit with two operating portions, one for the bottle body and one for the neck, where both portions rotate about the same axis but with adjustable radial movement and oscillation to match the tangential speed of their respective areas, ensuring precise label application without slipping and maintaining high productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single rotary shaft is used to drive both upper and lower application devices, then device complexity is reduced and compact dimensions are achieved, but synchronisation of speeds between application devices and containers deteriorates due to differing tangential speeds at different radii
Solution Approach 1:
The application devices are made dynamically adjustable through variable radial positioning mechanisms. Each application device can independently change its radial distance from the rotation axis, allowing the tangential speed at the applying surface to be adjusted to match the container surface speed at different positions (neck vs body), thereby eliminating slipping while maintaining a single rotary shaft structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters (radial position and rotational speed) of the application devices dynamically. By varying the radial position of application devices on the rotary shaft, the tangential speed profile is adjusted to match different container surfaces, resolving the speed synchronisation issue without requiring multiple independent shafts
2Manufacturing precision
If the applying surface is positioned at a smaller radius to match neck speed, then label application precision to the neck is improved, but productivity decreases because the tangential speed becomes insufficient for high-speed labelling
Solution Approach 1:
The application devices incorporate dynamic radial adjustment mechanisms that allow them to move closer to or farther from the rotation axis depending on the labelling requirements. This dynamic positioning enables the system to optimize both precision and speed by adjusting the effective radius during operation, rather than being fixed at a single suboptimal position
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate application units are used for different labels, then label application precision and versatility are improved, but device complexity and dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single rotary shaft structure is designed to accommodate multiple application devices with different functionalities. Each application device can be configured for different label types (body labels, neck labels, seals) while sharing the common rotation mechanism. The variable radial positioning capability further enhances versatility by allowing each device to optimize its position for its specific labelling task
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple application devices that would traditionally require separate independent units are merged onto a single rotary shaft. The shared rotation mechanism reduces overall system complexity and achieves compact dimensions, while the individual adjustability of each device maintains the versatility needed for different label types and positions
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
Enables simultaneous application of two labels at different distances from the axis of rotation without slipping, maintaining high productivity and compact dimensions, while minimizing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The shaft rotates about a main axis of rotation which is parallel with the axis of rotation of the carrousel. In this way, each application device cyclically passes from a label pickup position to a position for application of the label on the container.
Implementation Method 2
The application devices comprise at least one pad made of elastically deformable material (such as a sponge) which forms an applying surface on which the label is retained during the passage from the pickup position to the application position.
Implementation Method 3
Moreover, the applying surface is pressed against the container to guarantee correct application of the label.
Data Source
AI summary
A unit for the glue application of at least two labels to containers, comprising at least first (8) and second application devices (9) both of which rotate and are positioned at two separate superposed portions of the main axis of rotation (Z), each for applying at least one label on a separate portion of the same container (2). The operating parts of the two application devices (8) and (9) are at different distances from the axis of rotation (Z), although they rotate at identical rotational speeds relative to said axis. The second application device (9) comprises two first follower elements (30) slidably connected to a stationary guide element (29), for guiding the movement of the second device At the label application position (24), the interaction between the first follower elements (30) and the guide element (29) causes an oscillation of the second application device (9) for varying the speed of movement of its operating part and adapting it to that of the container.