Label Conveying Unit for Precise Air-Blast Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labeling devices require manual and complex adjustments for different label sizes, leading to inaccuracies in label placement due to the need for precise alignment of compressed air blasts and suction/blow-off openings.
Innovation Solution
A device with a conveyor unit that automatically adjusts the label's position and distance to ensure central alignment with the compressed air blast, using a transport element and contact pressure means to pick up labels at the dispensing position and move them to the blow-off position, allowing for precise label placement without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustments are used for different label sizes, then the device can handle various label dimensions, but the alignment accuracy decreases due to complex manual positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying unit automatically adjusts the label position and distance to ensure central alignment with the compressed air blast, eliminating the need for manual positioning adjustments while maintaining precision across different label sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an automated conveying unit that uses transport elements and contact force generating means to precisely position labels, substituting human operation with an automated mechanical system
2Productivity
If compressed air blasts are used to transfer labels, then the labeling process is fast, but misalignment and twisting occur due to difficulty in precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying unit performs preliminary positioning of the label before the compressed air blast is applied, ensuring the label is correctly positioned and oriented in advance, which prevents misalignment and twisting during the high-speed transfer process
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying unit acts as an intermediary between the label dispenser and the compressed air blast, providing a controlled transition that ensures proper label positioning before the high-speed transfer, thereby maintaining both speed and precision
3Measurement precision
If suction openings are used to hold labels, then the label can be positioned, but complex adjustments are needed for different label sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying unit is designed with universal functionality to handle different label sizes without requiring complex adjustments, using the same transport elements and contact force mechanisms for various label dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic adjustment capabilities where the conveying unit can adapt its operation parameters automatically based on the label size, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration of suction openings and other positioning mechanisms
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
Enables precise and automatic label transfer onto products, reducing the risk of misalignment and twisting, and allowing for quick adaptation to different label lengths and widths, improving the accuracy and efficiency of the labeling process.
Implementation Method 1
the contact force generating means is configured such that the respective label adheres to the label application surface in the dispensing position and, in particular, during transport from the dispensing position to the blow-off position
Implementation Method 2
blow-off means for generating a compressed air pulse directed in a blow-off direction from the blow-off position to the feed device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for labelling individual products (2), in particular packs or articles, having an advancement device (3) for transporting a respective product (2) along a transporting path, having a label-applying device (4) with an air-blast head (5) for applying a label (6) to the surface of the product (2), wherein the air-blast head (5) has retaining means (7) for fixing the label (6) in an air-blast position (II) and air-blast means (8) for generating a blast of compressed air directed in an air-blast direction (A) from the air-blast position (II) to the advancement device (3), and having a label-dispensing device (9) for supplying a label (6) in a dispensing position (I). In order for it to be as straightforward as possible for labels (6) to be transferred precisely onto a surface of a product (2) which is to be labelled, the invention proposes that the label-applying device (4) should have a conveying unit (11) for transporting the respective label (6) from the dispensing position (I) to the air-blast position (II), wherein the conveying unit (11) has a transporting element (12) and a means (14) for generating contact-pressure force. The invention also relates to a method for labelling individual products (2).