Automated Labeling Device Changeover via Segmented Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual conversion process of labeling devices is time-consuming and requires compromises in safety and ergonomics, especially when changing between different container formats.
Innovation Solution
A device with a conversion system that includes a magazine and a handling device to efficiently replace armor parts, such as container turntables, allowing for quick and safe switching between different container formats without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual changeover process is used to exchange turntables, then flexibility in adapting to different container formats is achieved, but conversion time increases significantly and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the turntable changeover process into independent, automated steps: the handling device separately performs extraction of old turntables, insertion of new turntables, and rotation of the labeling device. This segmentation enables parallel execution of operations and eliminates manual sequential processing, directly reducing conversion time while maintaining adaptability to different container formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The labeling device is equipped with an automatic handling device that performs the changeover operations without human intervention. The system serves itself by automatically extracting turntables from receptacles, rotating the device to accessible positions, and inserting new turntables from a storage location, thereby eliminating manual labor and significantly reducing conversion time.
2Ease of operation
If manual changeover process is used, then operator can handle turntables within reach, but safety compromises are required and ergonomics deteriorate due to repeated device rotation in jog mode
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic handling device performs all changeover operations without human intervention, eliminating safety risks associated with manual operation. The system automatically positions the labeling device, extracts turntables, and inserts new ones, ensuring operator safety while maintaining ease of operation through automated sequencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling device performs preliminary actions by automatically rotating the labeling device to positions where turntables are accessible before extraction occurs. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for manual rotation during the changeover process, improving both safety and ergonomics by removing operator exposure to moving parts.
3Ease of repair
If manual changeover process is used, then operator can perform maintenance tasks, but downtime of labeling device increases and line output per unit time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic handling device performs maintenance-related changeover tasks without requiring operator presence, enabling the labeling device to maintain operational readiness. The system automatically manages turntable replacement, eliminating downtime associated with manual maintenance operations and maximizing line output per unit time.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling device enables continuous operation by performing changeover tasks during minimal interruption. The automated system maintains the labeling device in a ready state through continuous monitoring and execution of changeover operations, reducing loss of time and ensuring continuous productive action on the production line.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates, inter alia, to a device (10) for labeling containers. A labeling device (12) has several tool holders (24) for receiving tool holders (20, 22). A conversion system (26) is designed to convert the labeling device (12) by exchanging the tool holders (20, 22). The conversion system (26) has a magazine (28) for storing the tool holders (20, 22) and a handling device (32) by which the tool holders (20, 22) can be moved between the magazine (28) and the several tool holders (24) of the labeling device (12).