Guide Shoe Labeling for Moving Cable Shrink-Wrap Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for applying labels to cables or conduits, such as spraying or brushing ink, are inefficient and difficult to manage, as the colors are not easily removable and the process is messy with liquid or powder.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a label applicator with guide rollers, tamping devices, and a guide shoe assembly that uses hydraulics to apply and secure heat-induced shrink-wrap labels onto moving cables or conduits, allowing for easy removal and management without the use of liquids or powders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ink is applied directly to the cable or conduit sheath by spraying, wiping, dripping, or brushing, then the cable or conduit can be marked with color, but the color is not easily removed and the method is difficult to manage due to liquid or powder usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a label as an intermediary carrier between the marking system and the cable/conduit. Instead of applying ink directly to the sheath, the label carries the color and identification information. This intermediary approach allows for easy removal and management of the label without leaving residual ink or requiring cleanup of liquid/powder materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable labels that can be easily applied and removed without permanent commitment. These labels serve as temporary marking solutions that can be replaced or adjusted as needed, eliminating the permanence issue of direct ink application and reducing the complexity of managing permanent markings.
2Productivity
If a label applicator system with guide rollers, tamping devices, and guide shoe assembly is used, then labels can be effectively applied and secured to moving cables or conduits, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The label applicator system is divided into distinct functional modules: guide rollers for cable guidance, tamping devices for label application, and guide shoe assembly for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while making the overall system easier to maintain and operate despite the increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide shoe assembly with springs and rounding members provides self-adjusting capabilities that accommodate variations in cable diameter and movement. The springs automatically adjust to maintain proper contact and positioning, reducing the need for manual adjustment and complex control mechanisms.
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 system effectively applies and secures labels onto cables or conduits, providing a clean and efficient process that is easy to manage, with the ability to remove labels easily, and ensures the labels tightly wrap around the conduit without the mess of traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of springs for providing flexibility to the rounding member when the moving cable or conduit passes the at least one guide shoe
Implementation Method 2
at least one tamping device comprising at least one tamping pad for applying at least one label onto the moving cable or conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A system for applying labels to cable or conduit including at least one label and a label applicator. The label applicator including at least one guide roller, at least one tamping device comprising at least one tamping pad for applying at least one label onto the moving cable or conduit, and a guide shoe assembly. The guide shoe assembly comprises a guide shoe, the guide shoe comprises a rounding member, a plurality of springs for providing flexibility to the rounding member when the moving cable or conduit passes the at least one guide shoe, a support mount for supporting the at least one guide shoe, a plurality of pivots disposed between the rounding member and the rounding member support for adjusting the set of springs, and a fitted member for providing an anchor for the at least one guide shoe to connect with the support mount.