Flexible-Blade Label Pressing for Uniform Container Adhesion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label pressing devices in rotary labelling machines suffer from limited pressing space, requiring high motor rotation speeds, slippage issues, and poor adhesion due to wiper misalignment or wear, leading to creases and bubbles on labels.
Innovation Solution
A label pressing device with flexible blades having gripping edges and a support structure, allowing for a larger pressing space and adjustable configuration to accommodate varying container diameters, ensuring uniform label adhesion without creases or bubbles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If semi-rigid wipers are used for label pressing, then label adhesion is improved, but the pressing space becomes very limited requiring significant plate rotations
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing device is divided into multiple independent pressing elements (first pressing element, second pressing element, third pressing element) arranged in series along the pressing direction. Each element applies pressure to a specific segment of the label, enabling effective pressing over an extended pressing space without requiring large plate rotations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing elements are arranged in a series configuration along the pressing direction rather than using a single large pressing element. This dimensional arrangement extends the effective pressing space along the trajectory of the container, allowing adequate pressing distance without increasing the rotational angle requirements.
2Force
If semi-rigid wipers are used, then label pressing force is applied, but the braking component causes container slippage on the plate
Solution Approach 1:
Each pressing element has a localized pressing action with its own pressing force application point. The pressing force is distributed across multiple localized zones rather than applied as a single concentrated force, reducing the overall braking effect on the container while maintaining effective label adhesion at each pressing zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing elements are configured to apply force dynamically along the container's trajectory. The distributed pressing action adapts to the container's motion, reducing sudden braking forces that would cause slippage while maintaining continuous label pressing effectiveness.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple semi-rigid wipers are combined in series, then label pressing coverage is improved, but positioning precision requirements increase leading to creases and bubbles
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing coverage is segmented into multiple independent pressing elements arranged in series. Each element covers a specific portion of the label, and the segmented configuration reduces the positioning precision requirements compared to a single continuous pressing element, as each segment can be independently positioned and adjusted.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing elements are configured with overlapping or adjacent pressing zones that provide partial action coverage. This ensures continuous label pressing without requiring extremely precise positioning boundaries between elements, as the overlapping zones provide a buffer against positioning errors.
4Reliability
If sponge rollers are used for pressing, then label adhesion is achieved, but the pressing space is extremely short requiring rollers in pairs
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing function is segmented into multiple pressing elements arranged in series along the container's trajectory. This segmentation extends the total pressing space by distributing the pressing action across multiple zones, eliminating the need for pairs of rollers and providing adequate pressing distance in a single configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing elements are arranged along the trajectory dimension rather than relying on the limited contact width of a single roller. This dimensional arrangement extends the effective pressing space in the direction of container movement, providing sufficient pressing distance without requiring multiple roller pairs.
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 device provides reliable, efficient label adhesion with reduced motor requirements and minimal maintenance, maintaining label quality across different container sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of pressing elements configured as flexible blades, each comprising a gripping edge suitable for pressing the label onto the container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for pressing a label (L) following its application to a container (Co) for containing food or drinks or also intended for use in chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or other fields. The device (1) may be connected to a labelling machine (120) and comprises a plurality of pressing elements (10) configured as flexible blades, each comprising a gripping edge (10A) suitable for pressing said label (L) onto the container (Co). The device (1) also comprises a support structure (5) which supports each of the pressing elements (10) at an attachment edge (10B) opposite said gripping edge (10A). According to the invention, each pressing element (10) is supported in a position adjacent to another pressing element (10) and in such a way that the gripping edges (10A) are mutually parallel and arranged along a curved positioning line (LP) evaluated on a reference plane (PR) substantially orthogonal to the direction along which said gripping edges (10A) extend.