Labelling Machine Base Plate Configuration for Low-Height Application
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 'last label out' print and apply labelling machines face challenges in positioning due to bulkiness, especially when applying labels at low heights, leading to increased complexity and cost with the use of additional label transfer devices, and reduced throughput.
Innovation Solution
A labelling machine design with a base plate configuration that allows the labelling station to extend in one direction while supporting motive apparatus and spool supports on a second portion, minimizing the distance from the conveyor, enabling accurate label placement without the need for additional transfer devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the printer is located in close proximity to the labelling peel beak in a 'last label out' machine, then the labelling machine can print a specific label for a specific article and apply it immediately, but the portion of the labelling machine which includes the labelling peel beak becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the printer along the web path rather than placing it adjacent to the peel beak, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of web travel to achieve close proximity for label application while maintaining a compact transverse profile. This dimensional redistribution resolves the bulkiness issue while preserving high-speed label application capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the labelling machine is positioned to apply labels at low height from the conveyor to meet positioning standards, then label placement accuracy is improved, but the bulky design prevents proper positioning adjacent to the conveyor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redistributes machine components along the longitudinal axis of web travel, allowing the labelling station to be positioned low adjacent to the conveyor while accommodating the printer and other components in the longitudinal direction. This dimensional rearrangement enables compliance with low-height positioning standards without sacrificing functionality.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional label transfer devices are used to enable low-height label application, then positioning standards are met, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the printer from the bulky adjacent configuration and repositions it along the web path, eliminating the need for additional label transfer devices. This extraction and repositioning achieves low-height label application while reducing overall device complexity by removing unnecessary intermediary components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the printer is positioned adjacent to the labelling peel beak, then unique labels can be printed and applied to each article, but the throughput is reduced due to the bulky design and additional transfer devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the longitudinal dimension of web travel to position the printer in close proximity to the peel beak along the direction of web movement, enabling unique label printing and immediate application without the transverse bulkiness that would reduce throughput. This dimensional optimization maintains both customization capability and high-speed operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A labelling machine comprises a supply spool support for supporting a spool of label carrying web, a labelling station arranged to remove labels from a label carrying web supported by the supply spool, a take up spool support for supporting web from which labels have been removed, and a first motive apparatus for transporting web from the supply spool support to the take up spool support via the labelling station. The supply spool support, the labelling station and the take up spool support are mounted to a base plate. The base plate includes a first portion which supports the labelling station via a base of the labelling station such that the labelling station extends from the base plate in a first direction, and a second portion. The maximum distance to which the second portion and any component supported by the second portion extend from the base of the labelling station in a second direction is greater than the maximum distance to which the first portion and any component supported by the first portion extend from the base of the labelling station in the second direction, the first and second directions being generally opposite.