Label Rejecting Station With Minimal Band Deflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing label-rejecting stations in labelling machines cause a decrease in tensioning of the support band during label rejection, leading to non-optimal application of compliant labels due to the deviation of the path of the support band.

Innovation Solution

A label-rejecting station with a deviator element and a contrast element that operate at opposite surfaces of the support band, minimizing the deviation required for label detachment, ensuring minimal tension loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the deviator acts perpendicular to the advancing path to divert the band path for label detachment, then label rejection is achieved, but the tensioning of the support band decreases due to the longer travel path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel rejection effectivenessVSAvoidsupport band tensioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a contrast element that acts on the opposite side of the support band, creating a balanced system where the deviator and contrast element work in opposition. This dimensional approach allows the band to be deflected minimally while still achieving label detachment, preventing the excessive path deviation that causes tension loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The contrast element serves as a counterbalancing component to the deviator. By positioning the contrast element on the opposite side of the support band and designing it to engage when the deviator acts, the system creates a balanced force distribution that minimizes the overall deviation of the band path, thereby maintaining support band tensioning.

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

2Ease of operation

If the support band travels a significantly longer path during label rejection, then non-compliant labels are detached, but the application precision of compliant labels deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel detachment capabilityVSAvoidlabel application precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By adding the contrast element acting on the opposite side of the band, the system achieves label detachment through a balanced interaction rather than excessive deviation. This dimensional approach allows detachment functionality while maintaining the band's straight path for precise label application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a single deviator that causes large path deviation, the invention inverts the approach by using two elements acting in opposition. The contrast element counteracts the deviator's action, allowing minimal deviation sufficient for detachment while preserving application precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3936444B1A label-rejecting station
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 GD SPA
  • EP3936444B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3936444B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3936444B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a label-rejecting station (1), the labels (E) being carried by a support band (N) along an advancing path (P). The rejecting station (1) comprises: - a deviator element (2), arranged along the advancing path (P) and movable between an inactive position (I) and an active position (O) wherein it contacts the support band (N) at a first surface (F) thereof, deviating the advancing path (P); and - a contrast element (3), arranged along the advancing path (P) downstream of the deviator element (2), comprising: an abutting surface (30) provided for receiving partially thereon a second surface (S) of the support band (N), opposite to the first surface (F); and a detachment edge (31) provided for detaching a label (E) from the support band (N) when the deviator element (2) moves into its active position (O).