Label Placement Module With Dual Feeder And Lidding Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-volume distribution and fulfillment centers, the efficient and accurate placement of labels on containers is hindered by challenges such as the difficulty in removing and replacing labels from reusable containers, which is time-consuming and increases maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A label-placement module with a first feeder assembly and a second feeder assembly, including drive wheels and sensors, that moves labels from a horizontal delivery platter to a vertical position on the container, and a lidding module that clamps the label between the container and a lid for secure attachment, allowing easy removal and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional label placement methods are used, then labels can be applied to containers, but removal and replacement is time-consuming and increases maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The label placement system is divided into separate functional modules: a label generation module, a placement module with drive wheels, and a removal module with sensors. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling rapid label placement and removal without manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs automated mechanisms where drive wheels automatically transport labels to containers, and sensors automatically detect when labels need removal and replacement. The system serves itself by autonomously completing the entire label lifecycle process, eliminating manual maintenance operations and reducing maintenance time while improving productivity.
2Reliability
If labels are securely attached to containers, then identification accuracy is improved, but removal difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism uses dynamic control through drive wheels that can apply controlled pressure during placement and controlled force during removal. The system adjusts the mechanical interaction between the label and container based on operational needs, maintaining secure attachment during use while enabling easy removal when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive wheels act as intermediaries between the label and container. During placement, they press the label against the container for secure attachment. During removal, they apply controlled force to detach the label without damaging either component. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing controlled mechanical interaction that ensures both security and ease of operation.
3Productivity
If manual label placement is used, then system complexity is reduced, but placement accuracy and speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The drive wheels serve multiple functions: they transport labels during placement, secure labels to containers, and assist in label removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving high placement speed and accuracy, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated mechanical system driven by motors and controlled by sensors. This substitution increases placement speed and accuracy while the modular design keeps complexity manageable, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity by using controlled mechanical automation rather than complex electronic or robotic systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a label-placement module having a first feeder assembly, including a horizontal delivery platter for receiving a label, and a first drive wheel, positioned adjacent to a distal end of the horizontal delivery platter and rotatable to move the label on the horizontal delivery platter in a first direction. The label-placement module may include a second feeder assembly coupled to an actuator that moves the second feeder assembly vertically to a delivery position associated with the container. The second feeder assembly having a vertical delivery platter for receiving the label from the horizontal delivery platter and a second drive wheel rotatable to move the label forward in the first direction towards the container such that at least a portion of the label may be clamped between the container and a lid of the container thereby attaching the label to the container.