Shrink Sleeve Labeling Electrostatic Film Smoothing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labelling apparatuses for creating shrink sleeve labels often result in creased film portions on spindles, which complicates the welding process and can lead to defects.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring an electrostatic-charge generating bar along the carousel periphery ensures that film portions are evenly extended and crease-free on the spindles, allowing for smooth adhesion and defect-free welding, with optional welding means like laser welding or gluing, and potentially eliminating the need for air suction systems on spindles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If film portions are wound onto spindles using conventional mechanical methods, then the labelling process can proceed, but the film portions form creases that complicate welding and may cause defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical winding system with an electrostatic charging system. The electrostatic-charge generating bar creates electrostatic forces that extend and smooth the film portions as they are transferred to spindles, eliminating creases without requiring complex mechanical winding mechanisms. This substitution of electrostatic forces for mechanical forces resolves the contradiction between achieving smooth film and maintaining simple device structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If electrostatic-charge generating means are added to eliminate creases, then film portions become evenly extended and crease-free, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the film by applying electrostatic charges, transforming it from a creased, irregular state to an evenly extended, smooth state. This parameter change in the film's electrostatic properties allows for simple control of film morphology during the winding process, achieving high uniformity without adding complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If mechanical winding methods are used, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but welding defects may occur due to creases in the film
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic-charge generating bar performs preliminary action by charging and smoothing the film portions before they reach the welding stage. This pre-treatment ensures that the film is free of creases and properly extended before welding occurs, preventing welding defects without requiring complex real-time welding 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 electrostatic charging ensures uniform adhesion and crease-free film portions, facilitating seamless welding and reducing the likelihood of defects, while also allowing for various welding methods and potentially reducing equipment complexity.
Implementation Method 1
electrostatic-charge generating means provided downstream of said transferring unit characterised in that said electrostatic-charge generating means comprises an electrostatic-charge generating bar arranged along the periphery of said carousel which charges portions electrostatically for maintaining opposite flaps of each of said portions adhering to one another through the effect of electrostatic charges
Implementation Method 2
Owing to the fact that the portions of film are treated electrostatically they are evenly extended on the surface of the respective spindles and are free of creases
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for making "shrink sleeve" labels, comprises a carousel (3) provided peripherally with spindle means (4) shaped for being wound by portions (8) of film made of plastics, a transferring unit (100) arranged peripherally to said carousel (3) for transferring each portion (8) of film made of plastics on a respective spindle (4), electrostatic- charge generating means (101) arranged downstream of said transferring unit (100) such as to charge electrostatically said portions (8) of film made of plastics; a method for labelling containers comprises forming a sleeve (11) and covering a container with said sleeve (11), said forming comprising winding a portion (8) of film made of plastics to a respective spindle (4) and maintaining said portion (8) of film made of plastics adhering to said spindle (4) in an electrostatic manner.