Label Applicator Plate With Swinging Arms For Multi-Side Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label applicator technologies require multiple movements and joints to mark three sides of objects, leading to increased costs, safety risks due to potential crushing, and complexity, while existing solutions for two-side marking often necessitate halting the object for check reading, which is inefficient and costly to upgrade for three-side marking.
Innovation Solution
A label applicator plate with two pivot joints and two swinging arms, allowing for two rotary movements to apply labels to multiple sides of moving objects without halting, using one arm to turn 360° and the other to turn at least 200°, enabling label transport in two directions to facilitate efficient and safe application on two or three sides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple movements and joints are used to mark three sides of objects, then the marking capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The labeling device is divided into multiple independent label applicator plates, each capable of applying labels to different sides of the object. Each plate can be independently controlled to move to the appropriate position, allowing three-side marking without requiring a single complex multi-joint mechanism. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Each label applicator plate is designed to perform multiple functions: it can apply labels to different sides of objects, accommodate various object sizes and shapes, and operate in different positions around the conveyor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized mechanisms for each marking task, reducing device complexity while preserving adaptability.
2Reliability
If a robot arm with many arms and joints is used, then the safety is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independent label applicator plates instead of a single robot arm with many joints. Each plate operates independently with simpler movement mechanisms, reducing the total number of joints and arms required while maintaining safety through distributed operation and reduced mechanical complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If linear movement is used in known solutions, then the marking capability is improved, but the risk of crushing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The label applicator plates utilize dynamic rotary movements around the conveyor rather than fixed linear movements. This allows the plates to adapt their position and orientation continuously as objects pass by, maintaining safe distances and avoiding crushing forces while still achieving comprehensive labeling coverage on multiple sides.
4Adaptability or versatility
If three movements are used for two-side marking, then the marking capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the labeling function across multiple independent plates, where each plate handles specific labeling tasks with simpler movements. For two-side marking, only the necessary plates are activated with appropriate movements, reducing the total number of movements required compared to a single multi-functional mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Each label applicator plate is designed with universal capabilities to perform multiple marking functions. A single plate can apply labels to different sides of objects depending on its position and orientation, eliminating the need for dedicated mechanisms for each marking scenario and reducing overall movement requirements.
5Adaptability or versatility
If known solutions are upgraded to mark three sides, then the adaptability is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed from the outset as a segmented multi-plate configuration that can naturally accommodate three-side marking without requiring expensive upgrades. Each plate can be independently positioned and controlled to reach different sides of objects, providing inherent scalability that eliminates costly retrofits.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic positioning system allows each label applicator plate to be flexibly positioned and oriented according to real-time requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to handle various marking configurations (two-side, three-side, or more) without mechanical modifications or expensive upgrades, as the plates can simply be repositioned programmatically.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a proceeding and an arrangement to apply labels on marking objects which are transported on a track. According to the invention, by means of only two swinging arms, the output printed label (3) is transported away from the label printer (4), in a first direction of travel (A), so that the adhesive side of the label is facing said first direction of travel (A) of said label applicator plate (1), as well as in an opposite second direction of travel (B), so that the printed side of the printed label (3) is facing said opposite second direction of travel (B) of said label applicator plate (1). Continued motion actuation of the label applicator plate (1) by turning the swinging arm carrying the applicator plate (1), and where appropriate rotation of the applicator plate (1), provides transportation of the label (3) to, and delivery of the label (3) at, and application of the label (3) on the marking object with the adhesive side (3A) of the label facing said marking object.