Labeling Device Intermediate Buffer System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital label printing technologies face challenges in integrating with high-performance labeling machines due to low printing speed and high labeling demands, such as labeling 40,000 to 80,000 containers per hour, which exceeds the capacity of typical printers that produce 5,000 to 10,000 labels per hour.
Innovation Solution
A labeling device with an intermediate buffer system that includes at least 2n stations for rolling and unrolling label webs, allowing for simultaneous rolling up of n label webs while sequentially unwinding n others, thereby increasing labeling capacity and efficiency by generating a fast-running label web from multiple narrow webs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital printing technology is used for label production, then design flexibility and variable content capability are improved, but printing speed and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The printing system is divided into multiple independent printing units (first printing unit, second printing unit, etc.) that can operate simultaneously on different label webs. Each printing unit has its own printhead and can print different content, enabling parallel processing while maintaining design flexibility for each individual label
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple printing units are combined into a single integrated printing device that processes multiple label webs simultaneously. The printing device merges the capabilities of multiple printheads and printing mechanisms to achieve high-speed production while maintaining the adaptability of digital printing for variable content
2Productivity
If multiple label webs are processed simultaneously, then labeling productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer system is segmented into multiple independent stations, each with its own buffer mechanism for individual label webs. This allows each station to be controlled independently, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling parallel processing of multiple label webs to achieve high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer system acts as an intermediary between the printing device and the labeling unit, decoupling their operational requirements. The buffer stations temporarily store label webs and release them at the required speed, mediating the speed mismatch between printing and labeling operations while maintaining system simplicity
3Productivity
If printing and labeling operations are synchronized, then production efficiency is improved, but the mismatch between printing speed and labeling speed creates operational bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
Label webs are printed in advance and stored in the buffer system before being fed to the labeling unit. This preliminary printing action allows the labeling operation to proceed at its high speed without being constrained by the slower printing speed, as the buffer provides a reservoir of pre-printed labels
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer system serves as a speed-matching intermediary, allowing the printing device to operate at its native slower speed while the labeling unit operates at its native faster speed. The buffer accumulates and releases label webs at appropriate rates, eliminating the speed mismatch bottleneck and enabling both operations to run efficiently in parallel
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (1) has a feeding unit (13) for supplying specified number of label sheets (EB1-EB4) to a temporary buffer (11). A labeling unit (15) applies labels on objects. The temporary buffer comprises specified number of stations, which are formed for winding and unwinding the label sheets. The stations partially winds additional label sheets (E1-E4). The temporary buffer winds or successively unwinds the additional label sheets when necessary for labeling the objects. The feeding unit comprises a cutting device (9) for cutting a label tape (2). An independent claim is also included for a method for labeling objects.