Dynamic Buffer Unit for Label Strip Force Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional labeling machines face challenges with high acceleration and deceleration of the drive unit, leading to excessive forces on the label strip, which can result in incorrect cutting, processing, or damage to the labels and malfunctions in the labeling machine.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a dynamic buffer unit between the intermediate buffer unit and the drive unit, which features a second roller unit that can move independently, effectively buffers strong accelerations and ensures quick reaction to high accelerations, ensuring reliable processing of the label strip and labels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the drive unit is accelerated or decelerated quickly to reach labeling speed within one container division, then productivity is improved, but the label strip is subjected to excessive forces causing incorrect cutting, processing, damage, or machine malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer unit with elastic elements (springs) positioned between the drive unit and the label strip. This buffer unit is designed to absorb and dampen the冲击力 (impact forces) generated during rapid acceleration and deceleration of the label strip. The elastic elements deform under high force conditions, cushioning the label strip from excessive forces that would otherwise cause incorrect cutting, processing errors, or damage. This beforehand cushioning mechanism allows the drive unit to accelerate quickly for high productivity while protecting the label strip from harmful force peaks.
2Loss of time
If the drive unit is accelerated quickly to reach labeling speed within one container division, then the response time is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to incorrect label processing
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer unit with elastic elements is positioned upstream of the label processing area, providing beforehand cushioning for the label strip before it reaches the cutting and processing units. This ensures that even during rapid acceleration, the label strip enters the processing area with dampened forces, maintaining manufacturing precision for cutting and gluing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer unit acts as an intermediary element between the drive unit and the label strip. It mediates the force transmission by absorbing high-frequency vibrations and force peaks through its elastic elements, while still allowing smooth force transmission during normal operation. This intermediary buffer ensures that rapid acceleration does not directly translate to harmful forces on the label strip during processing.
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 dynamic buffer unit minimizes stress on the label strip during high accelerations, preventing damage and ensuring correct processing, while also allowing for rapid starting and stopping of the label strip drive, reducing the risk of malfunctions in the labeling machine.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer unit with an elastic element, in particular a spring element
Data Source
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AI summary
Labelling apparatus and method for applying labels to containers Labelling apparatus (1, 221) for applying labels (5a) to containers (2), having an unwinding unit (20) for accommodating at least one supply roll (21, 22) with a label strip (5); having an interim buffer unit (30) for the interim storage of the label strip (5) unwound from the supply roll (21, 22), wherein the interim buffer unit (30) comprises at least one first movable roller unit (31); having a drive unit (40) which is arranged downstream of the interim buffer unit (40), as seen in the conveying direction (F), and is intended for driving the label strip (5) in the conveying direction (F); and having a processing unit (50) for separating the label strip (5) into the labels (5a), for optional glueing purposes and for transferring the labels (5a) to the containers (2), characterized by the arrangement, between the interim buffer unit (30) and the drive unit (40), of a separate, dynamic buffer unit (70, 80) with at least one second roller unit (71, 81), which can be moved independently of the interim buffer unit (30).