Expandable Pusher for Flared Label Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices face difficulties in positioning decorative wrap-around labels in forming chambers with flared portions, as conventional methods require complex tilting molds or risk jamming when trying to insert labels through the end wall.
Innovation Solution
A device with a pusher member that expands radially to push the wrap-around label into the flared portion of the forming chamber, avoiding jamming and allowing for proper positioning without the need for multiple series of forming chambers or complex timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a wrap-around label is inserted through the end wall of a flared forming chamber using conventional pusher means, then the label positioning process is simplified, but the label jams in the flared portion and cannot be properly positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher member is designed with expandable radial portions that can dynamically change their cross-sectional dimensions. During insertion, the radial portions expand to match the flared chamber geometry, preventing jamming while maintaining pushing force. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between simple insertion and successful label placement in flared chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher member's radial dimensions are changed during the insertion process. The member transitions from a compact state during approach to an expanded state during label pushing, with the radial expansion matching the flared chamber profile. This parameter change enables the pusher to navigate the flared portion without jamming while effectively pushing the label to its final position.
2Reliability
If a tilting mold with multiple series of forming chambers is used to insert labels via forming openings, then label insertion into flared chambers is enabled, but the device complexity and timing requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable pusher member is designed to work with a single series of forming chambers, eliminating the need for multiple chamber series or tilting mechanisms. The pusher's ability to adapt its radial dimensions allows it to perform the label insertion function universally across all chambers in the forming chamber block, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining reliable label insertion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the complex tilting mechanism and multiple chamber series requirement from the system. By placing the adaptability function directly in the pusher member itself, the complex chamber configuration and timing-synchronized tilting operations are eliminated, leaving a simpler single-series chamber arrangement that achieves the same label insertion reliability.
3Device complexity
If the pusher member has constant radial dimensions, then the structure is simple, but the pusher cannot adapt to the flared portion geometry and causes label jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher member incorporates dynamic radial expansion capability, transitioning from a simple constant-dimension structure to an adaptive variable-dimension structure. The radial portions expand to match the flared chamber profile during label insertion, preventing jamming while maintaining structural simplicity in the non-operational state. This dynamic feature provides the necessary adaptability without significantly complicating the overall pusher design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher member applies the expandable radial portions only at the specific locations and times needed for navigating the flared chamber portion. The expansion is localized to the radial portions that contact the chamber wall, while the rest of the pusher structure remains relatively simple. This local quality change enables adaptation to the flared geometry without requiring complete structural redesign of the entire pusher member.
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 simple and efficient placement of wrap-around labels in forming chambers with flared portions, preventing jamming and ensuring accurate positioning, thus improving the overall manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
the pusher member is configured to expand radially while pushing the wrap-around label into said flared portion of the forming chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The device comprises at least one forming and wrap-around labeling assembly (60) suitable for taking up an active configuration in which said assembly has a forming chamber (36) and a looping chamber (46), which chambers are in axial alignment and communicate with each other via an annular passageway (62) provided through the end wall of the forming chamber. The assembly is further provided with a pusher member (66) configured to push a wrap-around label (27) that is looped in the looping chamber into the forming chamber. At least one portion (36C′) in the forming chamber (36) flares going away from the end wall (36B) of the forming chamber and the pusher member is configured to expand radially while pushing the wrap-around label (26A) into said flared portion (36C′) of the forming chamber (36).