Frusto-conical Mandrel for Accurate Stretchable Label Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-store re-labelling of packaged goods, such as paint cans, is time-consuming and difficult due to the challenge of accurately aligning and securing stretchable labels, which is not as precise as the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A mandrel with a frusto-conical upper portion and cylindrical lower end is used to guide and secure a stretchable wrapper onto the object, allowing for easy alignment and secure fitting, featuring inward projections for stable mounting and made from plastics for repeated use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flat label is wrapped around goods manually in-store, then the labelling can be done at point of sale, but the alignment precision is poor compared to manufacturing line labelling
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel acts as an intermediary tool between the wrapper and the object. It provides a standardized interface with engagement features that ensure precise positioning of the object relative to the wrapper, enabling manufacturing-line accuracy to be achieved in-store through manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel changes the geometric parameters of the wrapping process by providing a frusto-conical upper portion that guides the wrapper onto the object. This geometric constraint transforms the wrapping action into a precision operation, ensuring accurate alignment and positioning of the label on the object surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual wrapping is used in-store, then flexibility to re-label at point of sale is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel is designed to be self-positioning through its engagement features that mate with corresponding features on the object. This self-alignment mechanism eliminates the need for complex positioning operations by the operator, significantly reducing the time and difficulty of the re-labelling process while maintaining in-store flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel prepares the wrapping process in advance by providing pre-formed engagement features and a guided wrapping path. This preliminary structuring of the wrapping process allows the operator to simply perform the final wrapping action, dramatically increasing productivity compared to unwrapped manual wrapping.
3Ease of operation
If a mandrel with frusto-conical upper portion is used, then the wrapper can be easily guided onto the object, but the mandrel structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The frusto-conical upper portion uses a curved, tapered geometry to guide the wrapper onto the object. This curved surface naturally directs the wrapper material along the contour of the mandrel, providing intuitive guidance without requiring additional mechanical guides or complex mechanisms. The simplicity of the conical shape minimizes structural complexity while maximizing ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A mandrel (2) comprising a body portion (4) having an outer surface for receiving a stretchable closed wrapper (20), the mandrel having an end (6) adapted for mounting on a self supporting object (18) to be wrapped such that the wrapper can be slid over the mandrel and delivered therefrom onto the outer surface (22) of the object, in which the mandrel includes a portion which engages with the object to allow the mandrel to seat on an end of the object.