Labeling Machine Stands Asymmetry for Roll Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing labeling machines require numerous components and complex adjustments to accommodate different container rotation directions, restricting access to supply and storage rolls and hindering ergonomic handling due to the presence of tripods and neighboring structures.

Innovation Solution

A labeling machine design featuring a container carousel with labeling units arranged on its periphery, where stands are positioned on opposite sides of a vertical dividing plane to ensure unobstructed access, and a reversible tabletop with mirror-image attachment points for flexible assembly and reduced component requirements, allowing for easy adaptation to clockwise or counterclockwise rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If stands are positioned to support roll carriers and loop buffers, then structural stability is improved, but access to supply and storage rolls is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidaccess to rolls
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stand is designed with an asymmetric structure where the support function is provided on one side while the access path is kept clear on the other side. The stand supports the roll carrier and loop buffer structurally stable, but its positioning and design create an open access corridor on the access side, resolving the contradiction between stability and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Adaptability or versatility

If numerous components are used for belt guidance system to accommodate different rotation directions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to rotation directionsVSAvoidcomponent quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The labeling unit is designed with universal components that can function for both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation directions. The stand and belt guidance system are configured to handle both rotation directions using the same components, eliminating the need for separate machine types or numerous optional components, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If stands are made bulky and relatively high to provide necessary support, then structural support capability is improved, but ergonomic handling is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidergonomic handling
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stand is designed to provide necessary structural support while extracting the obstructing elements from the access path. By positioning the stand on one side and creating an open corridor on the other side, the support capability is maintained where needed while the ergonomic access path is cleared, allowing personnel to handle rolls without reaching around bulky structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3453630B1Labelling machine for containers
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 KRONES AG
  • EP3453630B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3453630B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3453630B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Labeling machine (1) for labeling containers (4) using labels (6) provided on carrier tapes (5), comprising a container carousel (1b) and at least two labeling units (2, 3) arranged in its periphery, each with: a first roller carrier (8) for unwinding a loaded carrier tape (5); a dispensing arm (10) with a dispensing edge (11) for removing the labels (6) from the carrier tape (5); a second roller carrier (12) for rewinding the emptied carrier tape (5); and a stand (14) for adjusting the position relative to a base frame (15). Because the stands are arranged on different sides of a division plane (2a, 3a) defined between the first roller carrier and the dispensing arm, a variety of machine variants with improved access to the roller carriers are possible with minimal equipment effort.