Labeling Machine Cutting Drum Pressure Diagnostics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional labeling machines face difficulties in maintaining the correct operation of cutting drums over time due to blade wear, making it challenging to identify anomalies during operation, which can lead to inefficient cutting and require periodic manual checks.

Innovation Solution

A container labeling machine equipped with a diagnostic device that monitors the pressure in suction chambers of cutting devices using pressure measurement means and an electronic control unit to compare real-time pressure trends with theoretical norms, enabling real-time anomaly detection and automatic adjustments to ensure consistent cutting performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If periodic manual checks are performed to verify cutting drum operation, then operator supervision can identify blade wear issues, but the machine cannot quickly identify anomalies during operation and requires downtime for checks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting drum operation reliabilityVSAvoidmachine downtime for checks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by equipping the cutting drum with sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, or pressure sensors) that continuously monitor cutting parameters and transmit data to a control unit. This real-time feedback enables the system to detect anomalies in cutting performance caused by blade wear without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability and avoiding downtime for checks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The diagnostic system enables the cutting drum to self-monitor its own condition through integrated sensors and control logic. The system automatically detects when blades are wearing or when cutting performance deteriorates, eliminating the need for operator supervision and manual checks. This self-service capability maintains reliable operation while preventing time loss through continuous autonomous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If visual examination of blades is performed before starting the machine, then the state of blades can be assessed, but anomalies during operation cannot be detected in real time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of blade inspectionVSAvoidreal-time anomaly detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated electronic monitoring system using sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, or pressure sensors) that continuously measure cutting parameters. This substitution transforms the simple but ineffective visual examination into a sophisticated real-time detection system that can identify anomalies during operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of inspection and difficulty of real-time detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sensors and control units as intermediaries between the cutting drum and the operator. These intermediaries continuously collect data about cutting performance and transmit it to the control unit for analysis, enabling real-time anomaly detection without requiring direct visual examination. This intermediary system bridges the gap between simple inspection methods and complex real-time monitoring requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The machine can continuously monitor and maintain the correct operation of cutting drums, quickly identify and address anomalies, and ensure reliable and safe operation with reduced manual intervention and increased efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a cutting drum (9), which is designed to receive on the lateral surface thereof the labeling ribbon fed by the unwinding assembly (8)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

which is provided, around the lateral surface thereof, with a plurality of cutting devices (10), each one comprises a blade (12), which is integrally fixed to the cutting drum (9) and is accommodated in a corresponding suction chamber (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical cutting: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentUS12157599B2Container labeling machine
Publication Date: 2024.12.03 P E LABELLERS SPA
  • US12157599B2 patent drawing
  • US12157599B2 patent drawing
  • US12157599B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A container labeling machine that includes a conveyance device for conveying containers to be labeled along an advancement path and at least one labeling station arranged along the advancement path of the containers, the labeling station including an unwinding assembly for a labeling ribbon wound in a spool and a cutting drum which supports at least one cutting device, the cutting device including a respective suction chamber which accommodates at least one blade; a diagnostic device for diagnosing the correct operation of the cutting device is also provided, with a detection device for detecting at least one parameter correlated with the pressure present in the suction chamber.