Labeling Machine Contoured Runners for Adhesive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current labeling machines face challenges in efficiently applying adhesive imprints on containers with complex contours, leading to waste and difficulty in label removal, and require complex construction and long shutdowns for format changes.
Innovation Solution
The labeling machine employs runners with contoured parts that apply adhesive imprints with both adhesive and non-adhesive regions, allowing for precise adhesion to container crests and avoiding troughs, and features a cutting and transfer drum system with adjustable feeding speed to prevent glue smearing and facilitate easy label removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a spreading roller applies adhesive to the entire label surface, then adhesive coverage is complete, but adhesive waste increases and label removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies adhesive only to specific local regions of the label (leading edge, trailing edge, and optionally side edges) rather than the entire surface. This localized adhesive application is achieved through a masking element that defines adhesive application zones, reducing adhesive waste while maintaining sufficient adhesion for label application and allowing easy removal from container crests.
2Productivity
If the transfer drum rotates at high speed, then productivity increases, but glue smearing on the transfer drum surface worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies masking to the label before the label reaches the transfer drum, preventing adhesive from contacting the drum surface in the first place. The masking element is positioned upstream to define adhesive zones before labeling occurs, so even at high speeds, adhesive never smears on the transfer drum, eliminating the need for speed reduction or frequent cleaning.
3Quantity of substance
If the spreading roller contacts the entire label width, then adhesive imprint coverage is complete, but adhesive consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The masking element precisely defines where adhesive should be applied (leading edge, trailing edge, and optionally side edges) versus where it should not be applied (label center for removable labels). This localized approach reduces adhesive consumption while maintaining precise positioning of adhesive imprints at critical locations for label attachment and removal.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the machine is designed for fixed label formats, then manufacturing precision is high, but adaptability to different formats decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The masking element is designed to be adjustable and reconfigurable for different label formats. Rather than fixed masking for each format, the system allows dynamic repositioning or replacement of masking elements to accommodate various label sizes and types, enabling quick format changes without complex machine reconfiguration while maintaining precise adhesive 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
This solution optimizes adhesive use, ensures accurate label placement on contoured surfaces, and allows for rapid format changes without increasing machine complexity, enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
they are kept adhered to the lateral surface of the transfer drum and to the runners by virtue of holes connected to air suction means, which are provided both in the lateral surface of the transfer drum and in the runners themselves
Data Source
AI summary
A labeling machine, which includes a conveyor for conveying containers to be labeled and at least one labeling station provided with an unwinding assembly for a label ribbon on which a plurality of labels are printed in succession, and at least one drum which is provided, peripherally, with runners which have at least one relief portion, in relief with respect to the lateral surface of the drum; a spreading roller for spreading adhesive on the label ribbon; at least one of the runners has at least one contoured part in order to allow the application, by the spreading roller, on the portion of the label ribbon and/or of the labels that is on the contoured part, of at least one adhesive imprint which has at least one region without adhesive.