High-Speed Labelling of Asymmetric Objects with Matched Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labelling systems struggle to apply labels to objects at high speeds, particularly when dealing with asymmetric cross-sections, leading to issues such as label tearing or incomplete adhesion.
Innovation Solution
A high-speed labelling system using a conveyor system with a shuttle and rotation mechanism, where objects are rotated while a label is applied by an applicator that matches the speed and orientation of the object, allowing for labels to be applied to objects with asymmetric cross-sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional labelling systems are used to apply labels to objects, then the labelling process is simple and reliable for low speeds, but the labelling speed cannot be increased to handle hundreds of objects per minute
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the rotation speed of the object and the linear speed of the applicator to maintain optimal relative motion during label application. The rotation mechanism allows the object to rotate at variable speeds while the applicator moves linearly at matched speeds, enabling high-speed labelling while maintaining reliable label adhesion through controlled dynamic interaction between the applicator and rotating object surface
2Productivity
If objects with asymmetric cross-sections are labelled using conventional systems, then the labelling process becomes complex and unreliable, but increasing speed exacerbates label tearing and incomplete adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The system is specifically designed to handle asymmetric cross-sections by using a rotation mechanism that can accommodate varying object geometries. The applicator is positioned to contact the object surface at the appropriate location during rotation, and the system adjusts speeds to match the specific object shape, enabling precise label application on asymmetric objects at high speeds without label tearing or incomplete adhesion
3Productivity
If the applicator contacts the rotating object at high speed, then productivity increases, but label tearing and incomplete adhesion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters of motion by coordinating the rotation speed of the object with the linear speed of the applicator. By adjusting these speed parameters to match each other during the label application process, the system achieves high productivity while preventing label tearing and ensuring complete adhesion through optimized relative motion parameters between the applicator and rotating object
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A label (210) can be applied to an object (206) having an asymmetric cross-section that is held on a moving shuttle (204) of a linear motor conveyor (202). The label (210) is first flagged to the object (206) by affixing a first portion of the label (210) to the object (206). The label (210) is wrapped on to the object (206) by an applicator (212) by rotating the object (206) by a motor on the shuttle (204). The applicator (212) moves along with the shuttle (204), at least in an application zone and approximately matches the speed of the shuttle (204), or the speed of the shuttle (204) and the tangential surface speed of the rotating object (206).