Labeling Machine Lifting Device with Counterweight Carousel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing labeling machines face challenges in easily replacing heavy parts, such as gripper cylinders, due to their weight and lack of flexibility in transportation, requiring significant effort and limited variability in use.

Innovation Solution

A labeling machine design that incorporates a lifting device with pivot joints and arms, allowing for flexible alignment and rotation, where the label carousel acts as a counterweight to stabilize the lifting device, enabling easier and more efficient replacement of heavy parts by distributing the weight and allowing for precise positioning and transport of objects around the machine's periphery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If parts are made relatively heavy to ensure synchronization and exact transfer, then labeling precision is improved, but replacement effort increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabeling precisionVSAvoidreplacement effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A lifting device is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the heavy parts. This device includes a lifting element that can be attached to parts to be replaced, a boom with pivot joints for positioning, and a winch system for controlled lifting and lowering, thereby mediating the heavy lifting task and reducing operator effort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a lifting device is added to reduce replacement effort, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement effortVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The label carousel serves as a counterweight to balance the lifting device. The carousel's substantial mass counteracts the weight of the lifting device and its loads, preventing tipping and maintaining stability during operation, thereby simplifying the overall structural requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the lifting device is placed in a central position, then accessibility to all points is improved, but stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The label carousel positioned at the center serves as a counterweight that stabilizes the lifting device. Its substantial mass creates a stable base that prevents tipping, allowing the lifting device to be positioned centrally for maximum accessibility while maintaining structural stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 solution significantly reduces the effort required for replacing heavy parts by providing a stable and flexible lifting mechanism, allowing for precise and efficient transport of objects, including gripper cylinders, around the labeling machine, enhancing operational ease and reducing the risk of tipping.

Implementation Method 1

The labeling machine itself, in particular the carousel, serves as a counterweight and enables the lifting device to be used in a stable manner without the risk of tipping.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCounterweight: Balance

Implementation Method 2

a first pivot joint of the lifting device is arranged on the central axis of the label carousel. This enables the lifting device to rotate about a vertical axis along the periphery of the labeling machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivot joint rotation: Hinge

Implementation Method 3

the lifting device comprises a first arm which is connected to the first swivel joint. Advantageously, this first arm merges into a second arm, which is connected to the first arm via a second swivel joint. A flexible alignment of the lifting device in relation to an object to be transported is thus possible.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivot joint rotation: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP2762414B1Labelling machine with lifting device
Publication Date: 2017.12.27 KRONES AG
  • EP2762414B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2762414B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2762414B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The labeling machine (100) has labeling units (105) that are arranged on the periphery of a labeling carousel (101) with interchangeable gripper cylinders (108). A lifting device (102) transports the machine components and other objects, particularly the gripper cylinders at the periphery of the labeling machine. The lifting device is arranged in a central position on an upper side of the labeling machine. The lifting device is designed as a manipulator that supports the lifting of goods. The lifting device comprises multiple lifting elements (107).