Label Alignment Roller for Precision Product Labeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labeling devices for individual products are complex, requiring a fan for suction and a clamping roller for separation, leading to increased wear and imprecise label application due to varying label curvature.
Innovation Solution
A label alignment device ensures precise alignment of adhesive labels with their adhesive side facing the label transport means, eliminating the need for suction and reducing wear by guiding labels onto a roller before contact with the transport surface, thereby minimizing the contact area and ensuring accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fan is used to create suction flow to hold the label on the conveyor belt, then the label can be securely transported, but the device complexity increases and additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fan component from the labeling device by changing the label application method. Instead of using suction to hold the label on the conveyor belt, the label is applied directly to the product at the delivery point without requiring continuous adhesion during transport, thereby eliminating the need for the fan and simplifying the device structure while maintaining reliable label transport
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a label alignment device with a roller as an intermediary component between the label dispensing device and the label transfer device. This roller guides and aligns the label before it reaches the conveyor belt, ensuring proper positioning without requiring suction forces, thus resolving the contradiction between transport stability and device complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If a clamping roller is used to separate labels from the material strip, then label separation is achieved, but the conveyor belt experiences increased wear and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the clamping roller by implementing label separation through a cutting device that cuts the material strip to isolate individual labels. The separated labels are then picked up by a picking device and transferred to the label alignment device, removing the need for continuous clamping pressure on the conveyor belt and reducing wear while maintaining precise separation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical clamping roller system with a combination of cutting device and picking device. Instead of using mechanical pressure to separate and hold labels, the system uses cutting to isolate labels and a picking device to transfer them, reducing mechanical wear on the conveyor belt while achieving precise label separation
3Adaptability or versatility
If labels with varying curvature are used from rolls, then flexibility in label supply is maintained, but label positioning precision deteriorates due to inconsistent contact points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a label alignment device with a roller as an intermediary that receives labels from the material strip and guides them to a consistent position on the conveyor belt. This alignment roller compensates for variations in label curvature by physically guiding each label to the same contact point, thereby maintaining positioning precision while accepting labels from rolls with varying curvature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of label contact position by using an alignment roller that ensures all labels, regardless of their initial curvature, make contact with the conveyor belt at the same defined point. This parameter change (standardizing contact position) resolves the contradiction between accepting varied label rolls and maintaining precise positioning
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 solution simplifies the labeling process, achieves precise label application, and reduces wear on the label transport means by ensuring consistent contact and alignment, regardless of label curvature, resulting in a high level of precision and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
adhesive labels to be conveyed from the receiving area to the delivery point in a particularly precise arrangement with their adhesive side facing the surface of the label transport means
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for labeling individual products (2), comprising an advancing device (3) for transporting each product (2) in a transport direction (X), a label dispensing device (4) for dispensing a label, which can be removed from a material strip (5), from a discharge point (6) in a dispensing direction (S), and a label transporting device (7) with a movable label transporting means (8) for transporting the dispensed label (5) from a transfer region (9), where the dispensed label (5) is transferred to the label transporting mean (8), to a delivery point (10), where the label (5) is applied onto the respective product (2). The label transport means (8) has a surface (11) which is brought into contact with the label (5). The aim of the invention is to simplify the labeling of individual products (2) and apply the labels (5) as precisely as possible. According to the invention, this is achieved in that the device (1) additionally has a label aligning device (12) with a roller (13) which has a roller axis (14) that is parallel to the surface (11) of the label transporting means (8) and a lateral surface (15) that is arranged circumferentially about the roller axis (14). The roller (13) is arranged such that an imaginary straight line (G) running from the discharge point (6) in the dispensing direction (S) intersects the lateral surface (15). The invention further relates to a corresponding method for labeling individual products (2).