Label Attaching Apparatus for Variable Shape Adherends

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing film packaging apparatuses are unable to attach labels to products of unknown or unprepared sizes and shapes, as they rely on pre-defined tray information for label placement.

Innovation Solution

A label attaching apparatus that includes a measurement unit to determine the shape of the adherend and an attachable region determination unit to identify an appropriate position for label attachment based on the measured shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pre-defined tray information is used to determine label attachment position, then label attachment can be performed on standardized products, but the system cannot handle products with unknown or unprepared sizes and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle products of any shape and sizeVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/pre-programmed tray information system with an optical measurement system. A 3D camera captures the actual shape and size of the product, and a processor calculates the attachment position based on the captured image data. This substitution enables the system to handle any product shape and size without requiring pre-defined tray information, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through software-based solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the attachment position parameters based on the actual product dimensions captured by the 3D camera. Instead of using fixed tray information, the processor calculates new attachment position coordinates and dimensions based on the measured product shape, allowing the label attachment system to adapt to any product size and shape while maintaining proper label positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If pre-defined tray information is used for label attachment, then the attachment position can be determined in advance, but the system lacks flexibility for unprepared product configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of label attachmentVSAvoidproduct shape and size information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by having the 3D camera automatically capture and the processor automatically calculate the attachment position based on the product's actual shape and size. This eliminates the need for manual input of tray information or product dimensions, allowing the system to autonomously determine the correct label attachment position for any product configuration, thereby improving ease of operation while preserving complete product information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250128849A1Label attaching apparatus, label attaching method, and program

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 SATO CO LTD

AI summary

A label attaching apparatus for attaching a label to an adherend, including: a measurement unit that measures a shape of the adherend; and an attachable region determination unit that determines an attachable region of the label on the adherend based on the shape.