Gripper Cylinder Unit Segmentation for Labeling Machine Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gripper cylinder units for labeling machines are difficult to assemble and require complex connections, making them time-consuming and inefficient to install and convert.

Innovation Solution

A gripper cylinder unit with a central opening for a pull rod, featuring a first locking device for connection to the labeling unit's drive pulley and a second locking device with a clamping nut for secure attachment, allowing independent transportation and easy assembly, and optionally including a centering device for torque transmission and the ability to connect multiple gripper cylinders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the gripper cylinder is connected to the labeling unit using complex connection mechanisms (as in prior art), then the connection is secure and reliable, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The gripper cylinder unit is divided into separate components (gripper cylinder, pull rod, locking devices) that can be independently manufactured and transported, then quickly assembled on the labeling unit using simple locking mechanisms rather than complex integrated connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pull rod with locking devices is pre-assembled and ready for installation before reaching the labeling unit, allowing for rapid attachment to the drive pulley and gripper cylinder without requiring complex on-site assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the gripper cylinder unit uses a fixed complex design, then the connection is stable, but the device cannot be easily converted or adapted to different labeling unit sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different sizesVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pull rod with standardized locking devices serves multiple functions: connecting to the drive pulley, supporting the gripper cylinder, and enabling easy detachment and reattachment to different labeling unit configurations, making the system universally adaptable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from a fixed rigid design to a dynamic adjustable system where the pull rod can be easily positioned and locked at different locations, allowing adaptation to various labeling unit sizes and configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2848544B1Gripper cylinder unit for a labelling machine
Publication Date: 2017.07.05 KRONES AG
  • EP2848544B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2848544B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2848544B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Gripper cylinder unit (110) for a labeling machine (100), comprising a gripper cylinder (101; 410, 411) that can be arranged on a labeling unit (103) associated with the labeling machine, on which one or more grippers are arranged and which has a central bore (210), and a drawbar (102; 402) that can be passed through the bore, wherein the drawbar comprises a first locking device (222) that is suitable for being detachably connected to the labeling unit, and a second locking device (221) that is suitable for being detachably connected to the gripper cylinder.