Label Roll Magazine Detection for Correct Label Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing label tape magazine systems suffer from reliability issues and downtime due to the use of incorrect or faulty labels, leading to production errors and material waste during high-throughput labeling processes.

Innovation Solution

A magazine system with integrated detection devices, such as optical sensors, to identify and verify label types, allowing for automatic switching to correct labels and preventing faulty labels from being used, and enabling continuous quality control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If label tape rolls are supplied continuously at high throughput, then productivity increases, but reliability decreases due to use of incorrect or faulty labels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabeling throughputVSAvoidlabel correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device performs preliminary inspection of labels on the label tape roll before the labeling process continues. By detecting incorrect or faulty labels in advance, the system can identify and replace the affected label tape roll before it causes production errors, thus maintaining both high throughput and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device provides feedback about the condition and correctness of labels on the label tape roll. This feedback enables the control system to automatically respond by replacing faulty label tape rolls or adjusting the labeling process, ensuring continuous reliable operation at high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If detection devices are added to identify label types, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel verification accuracyVSAvoidmagazine system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual inspection methods with automated optical detection devices. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with optical/electronic systems improves reliability while the integration into the existing magazine structure minimizes the increase in overall device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device enables the magazine system to automatically verify label correctness without external intervention. The system self-monitors and can trigger automatic replacement of faulty label tape rolls, reducing the need for complex external verification systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If manual inspection of label types is performed, then reliability improves, but loss of time increases due to production downtime

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel type accuracyVSAvoidproduction downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device operates continuously during the labeling process, eliminating the need to stop production for manual inspection. Labels on the label tape roll are detected in real-time, allowing continuous operation while maintaining label type accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Manual inspection is replaced with automated optical detection that operates without interrupting the labeling process. This substitution eliminates the time loss associated with stopping production for manual verification while maintaining or improving label type accuracy.

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

4Reliability

If label tape rolls are replaced frequently to ensure correct labels, then reliability improves, but productivity decreases due to interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel correctness assuranceVSAvoidlabeling throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device performs preliminary detection of label correctness before faults occur. By identifying potential issues early, the system can plan and execute replacements during optimal moments rather than experiencing forced interruptions, thus maintaining productivity while ensuring reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device provides continuous feedback about label correctness, enabling the control system to optimize replacement timing. This feedback loop allows replacements to be scheduled to minimize interruptions to productivity while maintaining label correctness assurance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 system ensures high reliability and minimizes production errors and material waste by ensuring the correct label type is used, maintaining uninterrupted labeling operations.

Implementation Method 1

the detection device may have at least one optical sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4663566A1Magazine for label web rolls, labelling machine, installation for producing and/or treating containers and method for controlling at least one magazine
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 KHS GMBH
  • EP4663566A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP4663566A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4
  • EP4663566A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a magazine (12) for label tape rolls (34), comprising at least one unwinding area (18), at least two magazine units (20, 22) each with at least two receptacles (24 - 30) movable relative to the unwinding area (18) for label tape rolls (34) and at least one splicing device (32) for splicing label tapes for label tape rolls (34) arranged in the unwinding area (18), wherein the magazine (12) further comprises at least one detection device (65, 66) for detecting at least one label and/or one type of label on a label tape roll (34) in at least one of the receptacles (24 - 30).