Label Sensor Detects Unapplied Labels on Fruit Labeler Pick-ups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fruit labelers often malfunction due to unapplied labels remaining on label pick-ups, causing continuous misapplication and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a label sensor to detect whether a label pick-up is still holding a previous label, allowing for intermittent operation adjustments to prevent malfunctions, such as suspending carrier tape transport if a label is not applied, and issuing error signals for persistent issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous label dispensing is performed without detection, then productivity is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to unapplied labels causing malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a sensor that detects whether a label has been successfully applied to the fruit by monitoring the label pick-up position. When no label is detected, the system provides feedback to stop the carrier tape transport, preventing malfunction while maintaining productivity through automatic correction rather than continuous operation.
2Reliability
If label application is continuously monitored, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function to a separate sensor module that monitors only the critical label pick-up position. This localized detection approach maintains reliability while minimizing device complexity by focusing monitoring resources only where needed rather than implementing comprehensive system-wide monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic stopping and resuming of carrier tape transport based on sensor detection. When a missing label is detected, the system automatically halts operation; when the label is applied, it automatically resumes, eliminating the need for complex manual intervention systems.
3Reliability
If carrier tape transport is suspended frequently to check label application, then reliability improves, but productivity decreases due to operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic detection at the label pick-up position rather than continuous monitoring. The sensor checks for label presence at regular intervals corresponding to each label pick-up cycle, providing reliable detection while minimizing interruptions to carrier tape transport and maintaining overall productivity.
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
Prevents malfunctions by ensuring labels are correctly applied, reducing operational errors and maintaining efficient label dispensing and application processes.
Implementation Method 1
a label sensor (119) designed to detect whether a respective label pick-up (35) entering the label-pick-up rotary position (37) still holds the label (99)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~3a
AI summary
The invention relates to a labeler for applying labels to fruit or vegetables, comprising a label dispenser and a label applicator onto which the label dispenser can be mounted, wherein the label applicator includes a rotating head rotatably mounted in one direction of rotation with several receiving sections arranged equally in the circumferential direction, each of which is provided with a radially projecting bellows, wherein the respective receiving section and the respective bellows form a respective label receiver, wherein in operation the label receivers continuously pass through a label receiving rotary position, in which they receive a respective label from a label dispenser, and a label application rotary position, in which they apply the respective label to the fruit or vegetable.In the label pickup rotary position, the respective bellows is retracted, and in the label application rotary position, the respective bellows is extended. The label dispensing unit has a label sensor designed to detect whether a label pick-up moving into the label pickup rotary position is still holding the label it picked up during its previous pass at the label pickup rotary position.