Labeling Unit Centering and Docking for Bottle Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary labeling machines for bottles require a solid machine frame to support interchangeable labeling units, leading to increased material and production costs due to the need for the entire weight of the units to be absorbed by the frame.
Innovation Solution
The machine design incorporates unit-side and machine-side centering and docking units that provide load transmission and alignment, allowing for automatic height adjustment and alignment of labeling units, enabling simplified docking and exchange while reducing the structural requirements of the machine frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire weight of the labeling unit is absorbed by the machine frame, then the labeling unit can be securely supported and aligned, but the machine frame must be designed to be solid, leading to increased material and production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented between the machine frame and the labeling unit's own support structure. The machine frame provides positioning and alignment through centering elements, while the labeling unit's chassis with rollers provides load bearing, dividing the structural requirements and reducing the frame's material needs.
Solution Approach 2:
Centering and docking units act as intermediaries between the machine frame and the labeling unit. These units transfer alignment functions from the frame to the docking interface, while the labeling unit's support structure handles the weight bearing, mediating between positioning and load support functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the labeling units are free-standing on the periphery of the machine frame, then the machine can be changed over to different container types without problems, but height adjustment and alignment are necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The labeling unit performs self-alignment through its own centering and docking units that automatically position it relative to the machine frame during docking. The unit's support structure with height-adjustable feet enables self-height adjustment, eliminating the need for complex external alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates height-adjustable feet that allow dynamic adjustment of the labeling unit's height and inclination. This dynamic adjustment capability enables quick adaptation to different container types while maintaining simple docking procedures through the automated centering mechanism.
3Manufacturing precision
If the labeling unit is completely received by the machine frame, then the alignment is precise, but the machine frame must be correspondingly solid, leading to increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The machine frame is designed with local quality enhancement only where needed - specifically at the centering and docking locations. The frame requires solid construction only at these critical interface points for precise alignment, while the rest of the frame can be less substantial, reducing overall material costs while maintaining alignment precision.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The machine has a labeling unit (11), along with a labeling unit side centering and docking unit, supported on the side (11.1) near machine frame (8) bearing its weight on the machine side centering and docking unit (14). A transportation element (9) is provided at the machine frame for moving bottles on transport section whereby labeling unit is provided at transport section.