Modular Labeling Station With Automatic Backing Tape Splicing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current labeling stations for pre-adhesive labels require manual splicing of backing tape, occupy excessive space, necessitate ladder use for operator intervention, and are not easily adaptable to different formats, leading to inefficiencies and safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A modular labeling station with detachable parts and automatic joining means for seamless spool switching, allowing vertical spool handling and reduced space occupation, eliminating the need for manual splicing and ladder use, and enabling easy adaptation to various formats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two unwinding rollers with manual splicing are used, then continuous backing tape supply is achieved, but space occupation increases due to accumulation buffer requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous backing tape supplyVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical splicing system with an automatic splicing system that uses detection sensors and automated cutting/joining mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for manual intervention and the associated accumulation buffer, thereby maintaining continuous supply while reducing space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of spool exhaustion status and automatically initiates the splicing process before the backing tape runs out completely. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual splicing intervention and removes the requirement for an accumulation buffer to provide operator reaction time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If spools are positioned for manual splicing, then backing tape can be replaced, but operator safety risks increase due to ladder use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebacking tape replacement capabilityVSAvoidoperator safety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual splicing operations with an automatic splicing system that detects spool exhaustion and performs cutting and joining operations automatically. This eliminates the need for operators to use ladders or reach elevated positions, thereby removing the safety risks associated with manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs the splicing operation autonomously without requiring operator intervention. The automatic detection and splicing mechanisms enable the system to service itself, eliminating the need for operators to physically access elevated components and thereby removing safety hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If fixed labeling station configuration is used, then structure is simple, but adaptability to different formats is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidformat adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The labeling station is divided into modular segments including detachable support elements and interchangeable components. This segmentation allows different configurations to be assembled for various spool formats while maintaining overall structural simplicity through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that can be dynamically positioned or reconfigured to accommodate different spool sizes and formats. This dynamic capability allows the same basic structure to adapt to various requirements without compromising structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If vertical worktable configuration is used, then operator accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator accessibilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical worktable is implemented as a modular component that can be detached and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the vertical configuration to be assembled from standardized parts, thereby improving operator accessibility while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12600519B2Labeling station in labeling machines for pre-adhesive labels

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 P E LABELLERS SPA

AI summary

A labeling station in labeling machines for pre-adhesive labels, including a feeding assembly with unwinding rollers of a respective spool of backing tape with adhesive labels applied thereto and at least one assembly for applying the labels which has a peeling device located proximate to the containers to be labeled and adapted to separate the individual labels from the backing tape for application, and at least two mutually composable parts, respectively a first part, which includes a first support which forms a first worktable, on which the application assembly is mounted, and a second part, which includes a second support, on which at least the feeding assembly is mounted. The feeding assembly further includes a splicing system for joining the backing tapes which are unwound from the unwinding rollers and a group of dandy rolls, while at least one first redirection roller is mounted on the first worktable.