Label Applicator Plunger Mechanical Pressure Regulator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing labeling devices for stretch film packaging machines are complex and costly due to high demands on control and motor systems, requiring self-locking motors and electric valves for pressure relief, which are difficult to control and maintain.

Innovation Solution

A labeling device with a mechanical pressure regulator in the plunger, allowing for negative pressure interruption without electronic control, using a movable part that changes position to release labels mechanically, reducing the need for complex electronic systems and enhancing safety and simplicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If self-locking motors are used to prevent platform falling during power failure, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical self-locking motor system with a pneumatic counterbalance system. Compressed air is supplied to a cylinder that generates an upward force to counteract the weight of the platform, allowing standard motors to be used instead of expensive self-locking motors while maintaining safety and reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stress or pressure

If electric valves are used for pressure relief, then pressure control is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance worsen due to separate control requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure controlVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pressure relief function with the existing suction cup structure. The suction cup itself serves dual purposes: holding the workpiece through vacuum and providing pressure relief when needed, eliminating the need for separate electric valves and their complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If sensors are added to determine pressure relief timing, then pressure control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure relief timingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the existing vacuum sensor that monitors suction cup operation to automatically determine when pressure relief is needed. The sensor detects when the workpiece is no longer held by the suction cup, triggering pressure relief without requiring additional sensors or complex control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Weight of moving object

If platform weight is reduced for easier handling, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning accuracy may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform weightVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a pneumatic counterbalance system where compressed air generates an upward force to counteract the platform's weight. This allows the platform to be lightweight for easy handling while maintaining stable positioning through the counterbalancing air pressure, preventing both overloading and positioning errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 control and drive systems, reduces the load on motors, and eliminates the need for electric valves, making the device safer and more cost-effective while maintaining high positioning accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a negative pressure in the plunger, in particular in the movable part of the plunger, which serves to receive the label

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

A drive section is designed to move the cover section and thus open or close the vacuum interruption opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum interruption: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP4005742B1Label applicator
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 BIZERBA GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4005742B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4005742B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4005742B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

A labeling device (11) for a stretch film packaging machine, comprising a robot with a robot base (19) and a receiving device (21) for receiving a label, is characterized in that the receiving device (21) has a base plate and a plunger (24), that the plunger (24) comprises a fixed part mounted on the base plate and not displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the plunger (24) with respect to the base plate, and a part of the plunger (24) movable in the longitudinal direction of the plunger (24) within the fixed part, with a front end, that the plunger (24) has a mechanical pressure regulator, that the robot base (19) is connected to the platform (20) by a return element (26), and that the movable part of the plunger (24) extends through the fixed part of the plunger (24) towards the base plate (27) into a retracted position in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the plunger (24). is movable,wherein the movable part of the plunger (24) has an opening, the opening being gas-tightly covered in an extended position of the movable part of the plunger (24) and not covered by the fixed part of the plunger (24) in the retracted position of the movable part of the plunger (24). Such a labeling device is structurally simple and safe, particularly with regard to the requirements for the control and drive.