Label Feeding Machine Sensor Cover Detachment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing label feeding machines face difficulties in easily removing jammed labels that curl up and attach to the opening/closing member, leading to reduced workability and increased complexity in removal processes.

Innovation Solution

The label feeding machine incorporates a design with a detachable cover for the opening/closing member, featuring a surface resistant to adhesive sticking and a latching mechanism for easy installation and detachment, allowing for external removal of jammed labels and improved operational convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the gap between the support member and opening/closing member is reduced to improve detection accuracy, then sensor detection accuracy is improved, but label jamming occurs because the label curls up and attaches to the opening/closing member

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor detection accuracyVSAvoidlabel removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The opening/closing member is divided into a main body and a detachable cover. The cover can be removed to provide access to the sensor and conveyance passage, allowing label removal without requiring complete disassembly of the detection mechanism. This segmentation enables the gap to be reduced for better detection while maintaining ease of label removal through cover detachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is designed as a detachable component that can be separated from the main body of the opening/closing member. This extraction of the cover allows operators to access and remove jammed labels from the conveyance passage without affecting the sensor's positioned detection accuracy, effectively separating the detection function from the access function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If the opening/closing member is designed as a single integrated component, then structural simplicity is maintained, but label removal becomes difficult when labels attach to the hinge area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening/closing member structureVSAvoidlabel removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The opening/closing member is segmented into a main body containing the hinge and sensor, and a detachable cover. This segmentation allows the cover to be removed for label access while the main body remains intact, solving the problem of difficult label removal from hinge areas without over-complicating the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is extracted as a separate detachable component from the main body. This extraction enables easy access to labels that may have attached to the hinge area or deeper inside the conveyance passage, while the main body's integrated structure is preserved for structural support and sensor housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If adhesive-resistant coating is applied to the opening/closing member surface, then label attachment is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel removal easeVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Adhesive-resistant coating is applied locally to specific surfaces of the opening/closing member where labels are most likely to attach, particularly the inner surfaces of the cover and main body that form the conveyance passage. This localized application prevents label attachment problems without requiring complete coating of the entire component, thereby limiting the increase in manufacturing complexity to only the necessary areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This design facilitates the easy removal of jammed labels by preventing adhesive attachment and simplifying the detachment process, enhancing workability and reducing the complexity of label removal within the machine.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor capable of optically detecting a position of the label in the course of conveying the continuous label body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3150500B1Label supply device
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 SATO HLDG CORP
  • EP3150500B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3150500B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3150500B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A label position detector has a sensor, a support member configured to support a strip-shaped liner sheet of a continuous label body, and an opening/closing member provided openably or closably against the support member. The opening/closing member has a main body installed with the sensor and a cover provided with a slot that causes the sensor to face the conveyance passage for the continuous label body and detachably installed on the main body.