Label Separation Apparatus Using Thermal Deformation and Brush Scraping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic bottle processing technologies face challenges in reliably separating labels from plastic bottle bodies due to static electricity, causing labels to adhere to the cut bottle bodies and complicating independent collection.
Innovation Solution
A plastic bottle processing apparatus that includes a label separating unit with a label cutting member, a heating member, and a rotary brush member, where the label cutting member cuts the label and the heating member thermally deforms the cut label, allowing the rotary brush member to easily separate the label from the bottle body by scraping it off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If labels are cut together with the plastic bottle body, then the label can be separated from the bottle body, but the cut labels adhere to the cut bottle bodies due to static electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the label material by heating it to its melting point, transforming it from a solid state where static electricity causes adhesion to a molten state where it becomes pliable and can be easily removed. This parameter change (temperature) directly resolves the contradiction by eliminating the static electricity adhesion problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of static electricity causing label adhesion into a beneficial process by using heat to melt the label material. The same thermal energy that could potentially cause unwanted effects is instead utilized to transform the label's physical state, making separation easier and more reliable.
2Quantity of substance
If labels are absorbed by the suction device, then the separated labels can be collected, but it is difficult to collect the separated labels independently from the segmented bottle bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by heating and melting the label material before the suction collection process. This preliminary thermal treatment ensures that labels are in a pliable state that facilitates clean separation and independent collection, preventing the mixing of labels with bottle bodies during the suction process.
3Ease of operation
If a heating member is added to thermally deform the label, then the label can be easily separated from the bottle body, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical separation systems with a simpler thermal field approach. Instead of using sophisticated mechanical devices to physically separate adhered labels, the patent uses heating to melt the label material, making it pliable and easy to remove with simple mechanical means like a scraper or suction device.
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
Effectively separates labels from plastic bottle bodies, preventing adherence and ensuring reliable collection by thermally deforming and scraping off the labels with the rotary brush member, enhancing the efficiency of the separation process.
Implementation Method 1
a heating member (63) configured to heat a portion or an entire portion of the label (102) cut by the label cutting member (61), thereby thermally deforming a portion or an entire portion of the label (102)
Implementation Method 2
a rotary brush member (64) configured to make contact with the floating label (102) with rotation of the rotary brush member (64)
Data Source
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AI summary
A plastic bottle processing apparatus includes: an apparatus body (10) having a conveying path section (2) in which a plastic bottle is conveyed; and a label separating unit (6) arranged in a middle of the conveying path section so as to separate a label from the plastic bottle. The label separating unit includes: a label cutting member (61) that cuts the label of the plastic bottle, which is conveyed in the conveying path section along the axial direction of the plastic bottle; a heating member (63) that heats the label cut by the label cutting member; and a brush member (64) disposed so as to be able to make contact with the label heated by the heating member and remove the label from the plastic bottle body by making contact with the label.