Labeling Device with Integrated UV Curing Press
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labeling technologies face challenges with shrinkable label materials, particularly in containers with depressions, where final gluing is not sufficiently fixed, and require separate UV tunnels leading to energy and ozone pollution.
Innovation Solution
A device with a turntable for container rotation, a label dispensing system, radiation-curable adhesive application, and a pressing mechanism that applies UV radiation simultaneously to cure the adhesive, eliminating the need for a separate UV tunnel and allowing targeted curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate UV tunnel is used to cure the adhesive, then the adhesive curing is achieved, but energy consumption and ozone pollution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the UV curing function with the existing pressing device by integrating UV LEDs into the pressing element. This merging of functions eliminates the need for a separate UV tunnel while achieving reliable adhesive curing. The pressing device now performs both mechanical pressing and UV irradiation simultaneously at the labeling position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the UV curing function from the large-scale UV tunnel and relocates it directly to the labeling position through integrated UV LEDs in the pressing device. This extraction allows UV curing to occur locally and immediately during the labeling process, eliminating the energy-intensive separate tunnel.
2Reliability
If a separate UV tunnel is used to cure the adhesive, then the adhesive curing is achieved, but ozone pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the UV curing function into the pressing device, eliminating the separate UV tunnel that generates ozone. The integrated UV LEDs cure the adhesive in place without producing the harmful ozone byproducts associated with traditional UV tunnel systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of UV radiation (which can generate ozone in traditional systems) into a beneficial localized curing process. By using UV LEDs directly at the labeling position, the system achieves effective curing without the harmful ozone generation that occurs in large-scale UV tunnel systems.
3Shape
If shrinkable label material is used for containers with depressions, then label coverage is improved, but final gluing is not sufficiently fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies UV-curable adhesive that is cured immediately upon application through the integrated UV LEDs in the pressing device. This preliminary curing action ensures that the adhesive sets quickly and reliably, providing sufficient fixation even for shrinkable label material on containers with depressions and complex contours.
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
Ensures reliable bonding of label strips to containers, especially in areas with contours or depressions, while reducing energy consumption and ozone pollution by using high-efficiency UV LEDs for rapid curing within seconds.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation device (8), which irradiates the adhesive in order to cause the adhesive to harden
Implementation Method 2
a pressing device (16) to press a second area (10b) of the strip of labels (10) against the first area (10a)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The applying device (1) has a transport device (2) including a set of holding devices for holding and transporting containers (20). A label output device (4) introduces one of an opening section (10a) and an end section (10b) of a shrinkable label strip (10) to one container. An application device (6) applies a hardenable adhesive for affixing the sections. A radiation device having a LED (28) radiates the adhesive for producing hardening of the adhesive and fastening one of the sections to the container. A push device (16) pushes the end section to the container and/or to the opening section. : Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a system for applying label strips to containers (2) a method for applying label strips to containers. USE : Device for applying strips of a label i.e. round label, to containers i.e. jars. Can also be used for a package and a form can. ADVANTAGE : The device is designed in such a manner that a labeling machine is suitable for shrinkable foil material and hardenable adhesive coatings and for labeling the packages made of glass and plastic in round and rectangular form, secure hardening of the adhesive is achieved with less LED power, efficiency of the device is improved, and smooth and rejection-free labeling of the container is achieved. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS : The drawing shows a side sectional view of a device for labeling containers. 1 : Applying device 2 : Transport device 4 : Label output device 6 : Application device 10 : Shrinkable label strip 10a : Opening section 10b : End section 16 : Push device 20 : Containers 28 : LED.