In-line Label Applicator Eliminates Downstream Scan Tunnels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current serialization systems for pharmaceutical products require costly and complex downstream scan tunnels to associate label codes with helper codes, increasing equipment and maintenance costs, as well as points of failure, due to the difficulty in scanning label codes on rotating containers.
Innovation Solution
An in-line label application system that includes a conveyance path for round containers with a label printing device, a label scanner, and a helper code scanner, where the label code is read before application and the helper code is scanned simultaneously during label application, allowing for real-time association and elimination of the need for downstream scan tunnels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a downstream scan tunnel is used to associate label codes with helper codes, then the association can be achieved, but the equipment cost, maintenance cost, and points of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the scanning function from the downstream scan tunnel and relocates it to the label application station. By positioning scanners at the label application station, the system eliminates the need for a separate downstream scan tunnel while maintaining the association capability between label codes and helper codes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the label application function with the scanning function at the same station. The label application station now performs both label application and code scanning simultaneously, combining multiple functions into one location to reduce equipment complexity and eliminate the downstream scan tunnel.
2Measurement precision
If a downstream scan tunnel is used to scan rotating containers, then label codes can be read, but the system requires complex stitching algorithms and multiple scanners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the scanning action at the label application station before the containers enter the downstream conveyance path. By scanning containers at the label application station when they are stationary or moving slowly during the labeling process, the system eliminates the need for complex stitching algorithms required when scanning rotating containers in a downstream scan tunnel.
3Ease of manufacture
If the label code is printed on the circumference of the bottle, then the label can be applied, but the code becomes difficult to scan with a single scanner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the label application station with the scanning function, allowing the scanner to read the label code at the same location where the label is applied. This eliminates the need for a separate downstream scan tunnel and simplifies the scanning process by performing it at the origin point.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-line label applicator includes a label printer to print variable data on each label and a label application station that moves the printed labels into a container conveyance path for application to containers moving along the path. One scanner scans the label code of each printed label before the label reaches the conveyance path, and another scanner scans the helper code of each container as the label is being applied during movement of the container along the conveyance path.