Contactless Sensor for Label Transfer Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labeling machines face challenges in reproducibly achieving optimal orientation of the label-transfer element relative to containers due to mechanical play and imprecise position counters, especially when switching between different labeling modules, leading to deviations in orientation and positioning.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a three-dimensional detection space with a coordinate system and contactless sensor units to accurately detect the position of the label-transfer element relative to the container's peripheral surface, allowing for precise storage and reproduction of settings, even with low-precision mechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical components and position counters are used for detecting label-transfer element position, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision and manufacturing precision are insufficient due to mechanical play and imprecise position counters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical position detection systems with an optical detection system. A sensor unit with a sensor element detects the actual position of the label-transfer element optically, eliminating mechanical play and imprecision inherent in mechanical position counters. This substitution of mechanical detection with optical detection resolves the contradiction by achieving high measurement precision without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular construction with swappable labeling modules is implemented, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to deviations in orientation when modules are removed and re-attached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor unit continuously detects the actual position of the label-transfer element relative to the container, and this detected position is fed back to a control system. The control system compares the actual position with the target position and makes real-time adjustments to compensate for orientation deviations. This feedback loop ensures that even when modular labeling units are removed and re-attached with slight deviations, the system automatically corrects the positioning to achieve precise labeling orientation.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical adjustment mechanisms are used for repositioning label-transfer element, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision worsens due to lack of reproducibility in optimal settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying/detection principles where the sensor unit creates an optical representation of the label-transfer element's position. The control system stores the detected position data and can reproduce exact positioning settings by referencing this stored data. This eliminates the lack of reproducibility in mechanical systems, as the optical detection and digital storage allow precise reproduction of optimal settings without relying on mechanical memory or manual adjustment repeatability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and an associated method for detecting the actual position (P) of at least one label transfer element (2) of a labeling machine relative to the peripheral surface (3′) of a container (3) to be labeled, such as bottles, cans, cardboard boxes, and the like, comprising at least one sensor unit (5, 6) and at least one control and evaluation unit (7) operatively connected to the at least one sensor unit, wherein the at least one container (3) to be labeled is arranged so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis (DA) in a movement and transport plane (E). Especially advantageously, a three-dimensional detection space is associated with the at least one label transfer element (2) and the particular container (3) to be labeled, a coordinate sys tem having three coordinate axes (x, y, z) spanning said three-dimensional detection space, and the at least one sensor unit (5, 6) being designed to contactlessly detect the actual position (P) of the label transfer element (2) relative to the peripheral surface (3′) of the container (3) in the three-dimensional detection space.