Labeling Machine Glue Application Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labeling machines face issues with unwanted smearing of the transfer drum and other components due to glue, requiring frequent shutdowns for cleaning, and often rely on complex glue spraying assemblies that are costly and less reliable.
Innovation Solution
A labeling machine design featuring a single spray gun with strategically arranged dispensing ports and controlled conveyor and cutting mechanisms to apply glue precisely and efficiently, minimizing smearing and simplifying construction and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a battery of spray guns with multiple dispenser nozzles is used to apply glue at high speeds, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the labeling process into two distinct phases: a high-speed transfer phase where labels move rapidly on the transfer drum without glue application, and a低速 gluing phase where a single spray gun applies glue to labels at reduced speed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high overall productivity while using a simple single-spray-gun configuration, avoiding the complexity of multiple spray guns operating at high speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between high-speed label transfer and低速 glue application cycles. The conveyor pauses or reduces speed during glue application, then resumes high speed for label transfer. This periodic variation in operating speed enables efficient glue application with minimal impact on overall productivity while using simplified equipment
2Productivity
If a battery of spray guns is used to apply glue at high speeds, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of glue smearing and unwanted attachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system periodically switches between high-speed transfer mode and低速 gluing mode. During glue application, the conveyor slows down, allowing precise glue placement with a single spray gun. During transfer phases, labels move quickly without glue exposure, preventing smearing. This periodic operation eliminates the harmful effects of high-speed glue application while maintaining overall productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of reduced labeling speed during glue application into a benefit by using this低速 phase to achieve precise glue placement with a single spray gun. The temporary speed reduction prevents glue smearing and unwanted attachment, ultimately improving reliability and reducing downtime from cleaning, which benefits overall system performance
3Productivity
If the transfer drum rotates at high speed to maintain productivity, then the productivity is improved, but the glue application precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer drum operates at high speed during label transfer phases to maintain productivity, but periodically reduces speed during glue application phases to ensure precise glue placement. This periodic speed variation allows the system to achieve both high overall productivity and high glue application precision by decoupling these two requirements in time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the transfer drum operation into distinct functional zones: high-speed transfer zones where labels move rapidly without glue application, and低速 gluing zones where a single spray gun applies glue precisely. This spatial and functional segmentation allows the drum to maintain high rotational speed overall while providing controlled低速 regions for precise glue application
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 effectively prevents smearing of components, reduces operational complexity, ensures reliable and safe operation, and lowers costs by using a single spray gun for optimal glue application, enhancing overall efficiency and competitiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a spraying assembly (7) facing the transfer drum (5) and intended to apply glue on the labels (3)
Implementation Method 2
a transfer drum (5) which is actuated in rotation about its own axis (5a) and which makes it possible to bring the individual labels (3) into contact with corresponding containers (4)
Implementation Method 3
cutting means, which are arranged on the lateral surface of the transfer drum (5) and capable of carrying out the cutting of the labeling ribbon (13) between one label (3) and the next
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A machine for labeling containers which comprises means (2) for conveying, along an advancement direction (100), the labels (3) to be applied, which have a transfer drum (5) which is adapted to bring individual labels (3) into contact with corresponding containers (4) which are supported by a conveyor (6). A spraying assembly (7) faces the transfer drum (5) and is adapted to apply glue on the labels (3); the spraying assembly (7) comprises at least one spray gun (8) which has a plate-like glue dispensing body (9) which faces the lateral surface of the transfer drum (5) and is passed through by a plurality of dispensing ports (10), which are arranged mutually spaced apart along at least one row (16a, 16b) which extends substantially parallel to the axis (5a) of the transfer drum (5); control means (12) are provided which are functionally connected to the conveyor means (2) and to the spray gun (8) and are adapted to actuate a slowing of the advancement speed of the labels (3) with respect to the spray gun (8) before actuating the activation of the spray gun (8) for the application of the glue on the labels (3).