Eccentric Lever Actuation for Labeling Machine Container Diversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The actuation of locking levers in output star conveyor receptacles of labeling machines is not entirely satisfactory in terms of simplicity and effectiveness, particularly in ensuring efficient diversion of containers to separate production lines.
Innovation Solution
A device that programmatically controls the locking levers, using an abutment with wheels and an eccentric protrusion to transition the levers from a neutral to a locked position and back, ensuring containers can be diverted to a secondary line by a programmable mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If locking levers are actuated to lock containers in receptacles on the trip from input to second output line, then containers can be diverted to the second line, but the actuation mechanism becomes complex and less effective in terms of duration
Solution Approach 1:
A cam-shaped abutment is introduced as an intermediary element that translates rotational motion into the linear actuation of locking levers. The abutment with its cam profile interacts with the lever's eccentric protrusion, providing a simple mechanical means to actuate multiple levers sequentially as the star conveyor rotates, thereby diverting containers to the second line without complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lever actuation is implemented as a periodic action synchronized with the rotation of the star conveyor. The cam-shaped abutment is positioned such that it actuates levers at specific rotational positions, creating a repeating cycle of locking and releasing actions that correspond to the periodic passage of receptacles through the actuation zone, enabling efficient container diversion over time
2Device complexity
If locking levers are kept in neutral position to allow free container exit, then the system is simple, but containers cannot be diverted to the second output line
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever system transitions from a static neutral position to a dynamic actuated position through the cam-shaped abutment. The lever can remain in the simple neutral position for normal operation, but when the abutment rotates into position, it dynamically actuates the lever to the locked position, providing routing flexibility without requiring the system to be permanently complex
3Productivity
If a programmable mechanism is used to control locking lever actuation, then container diversion efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex programmable electronic control systems with a purely mechanical cam-shaped abutment mechanism. The cam profile inherently encodes the actuation sequence and timing, providing programmable-like functionality through mechanical geometry alone. This substitution maintains container diversion efficiency while eliminating the need for complex electronic programming and control systems
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 solution provides a simple and effective means to manage the locking levers, allowing for efficient diversion of containers to either the normal production line or the rejection line based on programmed requirements, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an abutment (14) which is provided with two mutually opposite appendages which are provided with wheels (14a, 14b) and this abutment can be brought, following rotation about an axis parallel to that of the output star conveyor (1), from the first position shown in Figures 4 to 8 to the position shown in Figures 9 and 10 and subsequently to the first position again
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A device (10) for actuating levers (9) for locking containers in the receptacles (3) of the output star conveyor (1) in a labeling machine. For each receptacle (3) there is a support (12) for a shaft (11) which is connected at its outer end to one of the levers (9) and at its inner end to a block (13) that has an eccentric protrusion (13a). According to the invention, there is an abutment (14) which is provided with at least one tab which is adapted to selectively assume, as a consequence of rotation commanded by adapted means which can be programmed, a first position of interference with the eccentric protrusion (13a) of at least one block (13) that arrives at the device (10), so as to cause the rotation of the corresponding locking lever (9) from a neutral position to an active position in which it locks the container that is present in the corresponding receptacle (3), and a second position, in which no tab interferes with one of said eccentric protrusions (13a).