Glue Flow Regulation Using Gravity and Piston Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Labeling machines face challenges in maintaining a consistent and efficient application of glue due to temperature-dependent viscosity and shear forces, leading to fluctuations in glue consumption and adhesion quality.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that regulate the volume flow of glue through a controllable supply device, using a dosing cylinder with a movable piston and flow measurement, to ensure a constant flow rate and pressure, independent of temperature and viscosity, optimizing glue application for precise label adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If pumps or pressure-controlled systems are used to convey glue, then glue can be delivered from storage container to glue application unit, but the unavoidable slippage and viscosity-dependent flow cause fluctuations in volume flow and glue application amount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump system with a gravity-based flow system. The storage container is positioned above the glue application unit, allowing glue to flow downward through supply lines under gravity influence. This eliminates pump slippage and shear forces, providing more stable and predictable glue flow rates that are less sensitive to viscosity changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pressure-controlled delivery through supply lines to regulate glue flow. By controlling the pressure differential between the storage container and glue application unit, the system achieves consistent volume flow rates. The hydraulic properties of the glue are utilized to maintain steady flow through appropriately sized and positioned supply lines.
2Strength
If higher viscosity glue is used, then adhesion strength may be improved, but the flow through delivery lines decreases leading to inconsistent application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses viscosity-related flow problems by changing the physical parameters of the delivery system. Supply lines are designed with appropriate diameters and lengths to accommodate higher viscosity glues, and the storage container positioning is optimized to provide sufficient gravitational head pressure. These parameter changes enable consistent flow of high-viscosity glue without sacrificing adhesion strength.
3Temperature
If temperature fluctuations occur, then glue viscosity changes, but this causes considerable fluctuations in the amount of glue conveyed and applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements temperature compensation measures in advance. The storage container and supply lines are designed to minimize temperature-induced viscosity changes, such as through insulation or thermal mass. By cushioning against temperature fluctuations beforehand, the system maintains more consistent glue flow rates despite ambient temperature variations.
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
This approach ensures a consistent and optimized amount of glue is applied to labels, reducing waste and operating costs by maintaining a constant volume flow and pressure, regardless of temperature or viscosity changes.
Implementation Method 1
determining a volume flow of glue through the supply line
Implementation Method 2
The higher the viscosity, the lower the flow through the delivery lines used
Implementation Method 3
a piston in a dosing cylinder
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a device and a method for gluing labels comprising the following steps: supplying glue, in particular cold glue, via a supply line (120) to a glue application unit (160); and determining a volume flow rate of glue through the supply line; wherein the supply of glue is regulated by means of an adjustable supply device (100, 200, 300) as a function of the determined volume flow rate such that glue is dispensed from the glue application unit at a constant flow rate.