Labeling Machine Spool Carrier With Horizontal Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional labeling machines face difficulties in loading and removing spools, especially heavy ones, due to the need for operators to lift them vertically onto spool carriers, resulting in increased effort and operational challenges.

Innovation Solution

A labeling machine with a feeding unit featuring a detachable elongated body that can be inserted into a hollow tubular spool, equipped with expandable locking portions and a grip portion for easier handling, allowing for stable locking and movement of the spool, reducing the physical effort required for loading and unloading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional spool carriers with vertical spindles are used, then the spools can be securely locked in place, but operators face difficulty in loading and removing heavy spools due to the need to lift them vertically

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of loading and removing spoolsVSAvoidweight of spool handling effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the loading dimension from vertical to horizontal by providing a horizontal loading axis. The spool carrier includes a horizontal loading spindle that extends radially from the vertical rotation axis, allowing spools to be loaded horizontally onto the carrier rather than being lifted vertically onto a vertical spindle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary horizontal loading spindle mechanism that mediates between the operator and the heavy spool. This horizontal spindle acts as a temporary support that receives the spool horizontally, after which the spool's own weight can be used to lock it onto the carrier through gravity-activated locking means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the elongated body is permanently attached to the base body, then the structure is more rigid, but the device cannot be adjusted or maintained easily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidease of assembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the spool carrier into two main detachable parts: a base body and an elongated body that can be separated from each other. The elongated body can be detached from the base body to facilitate spool loading and unloading operations, while still providing structural support when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention makes the connection between the base body and elongated body dynamic rather than static. The elongated body is designed to be detachably connectable to the base body through connecting means, allowing the system to transition between a connected state (for structural stability during operation) and a detached state (for loading and unloading operations).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 simplifies the loading and unloading of spools by providing a mechanism that reduces the physical strain on operators, making these operations more efficient and practical, while maintaining secure locking and handling of the spools.

Implementation Method 1

at least one portion 21 of the outer surface of the elongated body (12) which can expand in a radial direction so as to lock onto the inner surface of the respective tubular body (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial expansion:

Implementation Method 2

there is a preloading element 25 which is adapted to apply a force between the supporting body (23) and the actuation body (22) that is aimed at expanding the portion or portions 21

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

The locking means 20 can have respective inclined mating planes 26 and 27 which are integral, respectively, with the supporting body 23 of the portions 21 and with the actuation body 22

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage through inclined planes: Inclined Plane

Implementation Method 4

the grip portion 30 can be adapted to be coupled to movement devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical coupling:

Data Source

PatentEP3368424B1Labeling machine
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 SACMI VERONA SPA
  • EP3368424B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3368424B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3368424B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A labeling machine comprising a device for applying labels to containers to be labeled, the application device being fed by a feeding unit (1) supported by a base frame (2) and comprising at least one device (3) for supporting a spool (4) of a film (5) of labels which is arranged around a hollow tubular body (6); the supporting device (3) comprises at least one base body (11) supported by the base frame (2) and an elongated body (12) which can be associated removably with the base body (11) by virtue of removable connecting means (13), the elongated body (12) being insertable into the hollow tubular body (6) of the spool (4) when separated from the base body (11); locking means (20) are further provided which are adapted to lock the elongated body (12) in the tubular body (6) with the elongated body (12) separated from the base body (11).