Label Applicator Guide Shoe for Cable Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for applying labels to cables or conduits, such as spraying or brushing ink, are not easily removable and difficult to manage, leading to a need for a more efficient and manageable system for applying colored labels.
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.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ink is applied directly to the cable or conduit sheath by spraying or brushing, then the cable can be identified with color, but the ink is difficult to remove and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the labeling function from direct ink application on the cable sheath and separates it into a removable label component. The label is applied to the sheath but can be easily removed, while the coloring function is transferred to the label itself rather than being permanently integrated into the cable surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The label acts as an intermediary between the cable sheath and the identifying color. Instead of applying ink directly to the sheath, the label serves as a mediating element that carries the color and identification information, making removal and management easier while maintaining the identification function.
2Reliability
If liquid or powder ink is used for coloring cable or conduit, then the cable can be identified, but the method becomes difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses disposable labels instead of permanent ink application systems. These labels provide reliable identification during the cable's service life and can be easily removed or replaced when needed, eliminating the management complexity associated with liquid or powder ink systems while maintaining identification accuracy.
3Productivity
If a label applicator system is used to apply labels to moving cable or conduit, then the labeling process is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The label applicator system is designed to automatically apply labels to moving cable or conduit without requiring complex manual intervention. The system self-regulates the label application process, maintaining high productivity while reducing operational complexity through automated mechanisms that adapt to the moving substrate.
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 without the use of liquid or powder, making it easier to manage and clean up, while ensuring the labels are securely affixed to the conduit.
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
Implementation Method 3
a guide shoe mounted at a level that is horizontal and substantially even with the moving cable or conduit for pressing the label directly against at least a portion of 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.