Labeling Machine Synchronized Shutdown via Pneumatic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Labeling machines face malfunctions and potential damage due to asynchronous shutdowns of labeling units and conveyor devices, leading to different components stopping for varying lengths of time, which can cause mechanical stress and damage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an automated adjustment drive, preferably a pneumatic cylinder, that quickly retracts the labeling unit from the conveyor device when a shutdown is detected, ensuring synchronized stopping and preventing mechanical stress by coupling with the labeling machine's drive system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each labeling unit and conveyor component is provided with its own motor connected for synchronous stopping, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the synchronous stopping function from the motor control system and implements it through a mechanical coupling mechanism. The labeling unit is coupled to the conveyor device via a coupling device that mechanically links their drive systems, allowing them to stop synchronously without complex electrical coordination between multiple motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the drive systems of the labeling unit and conveyor device through a coupling device. This coupling device combines the rotational movement of the conveyor device with the linear or rotational movement of the labeling unit, creating a unified mechanical system that stops together without requiring separate motor control coordination.
2Device complexity
If manual adjustment of labeling unit position is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to slower adjustment time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static or manually adjusted positioning system into a dynamic automated system. The coupling device automatically adjusts the position of the labeling unit in response to the operational state of the conveyor device, enabling rapid position changes without manual intervention while maintaining relatively simple mechanical components.
3Device complexity
If labeling unit remains engaged with conveyor during shutdown, then structural simplicity is maintained, but harmful factors increase due to mechanical stress and damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by automatically disengaging the labeling unit from the conveyor device before potential damage can occur. The coupling device detects the shutdown condition and preemptively separates the labeling unit, preventing the mechanical stress and damage that would result from forced synchronous stopping of engaged components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device provides a controlled disengagement mechanism that cushions the separation between the labeling unit and conveyor device during shutdown. This gradual or controlled separation prevents sudden mechanical impacts and stress concentrations that would occur with abrupt disengagement of engaged components.
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 simplifies the structural design, prevents mechanical stress and damage by ensuring synchronized shutdowns of labeling units and conveyor devices, allowing for precise reintroduction of the labeling unit once the fault is rectified, thereby enhancing operational reliability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The setting drive is preferably a pneumatic cylinder
Data Source
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AI summary
The machine (1) has a drive, a conveying device (2) i.e. carousel-type machine, for a container (2a) and a labeling device (3). A pulling device (4) pulls the labeling device from the conveying device during a disconnection of the drive or occurrence of an asynchronism of the labeling device relative to the conveying device. A pulling operation takes place using an adjusting drive of the labeling device. The adjusting drive is coupled with the drive such that the labeling device is moved away from the conveying device in a radial direction during the disconnection of the drive.