Label Applicator Head Inclination Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-adhesive label application systems face difficulties in adjusting the application head to inclined surfaces without compromising operator safety and accessibility, particularly when applying labels on containers with non-vertical necks, leading to challenges in reel height adjustments and potential interference with the support structure.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus allows the application head to move on a command-oriented orientation axis, with rotatable redirection rollers that adjust the ribbon path to maintain parallelism with the application head, enabling easy inclination adjustments while keeping the supporting base horizontal, thus facilitating operator access and reducing interference risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the labeling assembly rotates with respect to a support footing to incline the application head, then the application head can be inclined to apply labels on non-vertical surfaces, but the height of the feed reel varies excessively making it difficult and risky for operators to intervene
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the inclination function into two independent segments: the application head can rotate independently about a first axis, while the feed reel remains fixed in height. This segmentation allows the application head to be inclined for applying labels on non-vertical surfaces without causing excessive height variation that would compromise operator safety and accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the feed reel is brought to a higher level to apply labels on inclined necks, then the application head can be inclined appropriately, but it becomes difficult and occasionally risky for operators to intervene on the reel
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the inclination function from the feed reel positioning function. The application head rotates independently about a first axis to achieve the required inclination for applying labels on necks and other non-vertical surfaces, while the feed reel maintains a fixed, safe height that does not compromise operator safety or reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the feed reel is lowered closer to the floor to apply labels at negative cones, then the application head can be inclined downward, but parts of the labeling assembly interfere with portions of the footing making it difficult for operators to access parts of the labeling machine
Solution Approach 1:
The invention decouples the inclination mechanism from the feed reel positioning. The application head can rotate about a first axis to apply labels on negative cones and other downward-inclined surfaces, while the feed reel remains at a fixed height that prevents interference with the footing and maintains operator accessibility to various parts of the labeling machine.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the application head is inclined to apply labels on non-vertical surfaces, then the labeling can be performed on various container geometries, but the feed reel height must be adjusted which complicates the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention simplifies the overall structure by segmenting the inclination function into a dedicated rotation mechanism for the application head only. The feed reel remains fixed in height, eliminating the need for complex height adjustment mechanisms. The application head rotates about a first axis independently, reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability to various container geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a redirection roller that acts as an intermediary element. This roller redirects the ribbon from the feed reel to the application head, allowing the application head to be inclined without requiring the feed reel to change height. The redirection roller mediates between the fixed feed reel and the inclined application head, simplifying the overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for applying self-adhesive labels includes a supporting base for at least one reel of a ribbon that supports self-adhesive labels, elements of feeding the ribbon to a head for applying the self-adhesive labels, and a device for taking up the ribbon. The application head can move on command about an orientation axis in order to vary its own direction of extension with respect to the unwinding direction of the ribbon from the reel. The feeder elements include at least one redirection roller, the rotation axis of which can rotate on command, with respect to the reel, about an adjustment axis that is substantially parallel to the orientation axis in order to bring the direction of extension of the ribbon at the application head.