Labelling Machine Panel Mechanism for Operator Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labelling machines pose risks of operator injury due to accidental insertion through openings during reel changes and are costly due to the use of actuators for panel movement, and there is a need for a low-cost solution to reduce these risks.
Innovation Solution
A labelling machine design featuring a rotary carousel with movable labelling groups and a protective wall with panels that automatically move between open and closed positions using flexible wires and hooks, eliminating the need for actuators by ensuring panels only close after labelling groups have passed through openings, thus preventing operator access during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If actuators are used to move panels between open and closed positions, then operator safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The panel movement system uses the labelling group's own movement to automatically open and close panels through mechanical linkage. When the labelling group moves between operative and rest positions, it directly drives the panels to open or close via connecting rods and hinges, eliminating the need for separate actuators. This self-service mechanism maintains safety while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The labelling group's movement mechanism serves dual purposes: it both positions the labelling group (operative/rest positions) and simultaneously controls the panel opening/closing. This multi-functionality allows one mechanical system to perform multiple tasks, reducing the need for additional actuators while maintaining operator safety.
2Reliability
If panels are kept closed during labelling group movement, then operator safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The panel opens automatically in advance before the labelling group reaches the opening position, and closes automatically after the labelling group has passed through. This preliminary and subsequent action ensures the opening is available when needed while automatically closing for safety without requiring manual intervention from the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage system provides automatic feedback between the labelling group's position and the panel state. Sensors or mechanical switches detect when the labelling group is moving toward or away from the opening, automatically triggering panel opening or closing actions to maintain safety while facilitating smooth operation.
3Productivity
If multiple labelling groups are used to increase productivity, then production rate is improved, but risk of operator injury increases due to multiple openings
Solution Approach 1:
Each labelling group has its own dedicated panel and opening, creating independent safety zones. This segmentation allows each opening to be controlled separately by its own panel mechanism, ensuring that when one labelling group is being serviced, other openings remain closed and secure, maintaining safety while allowing high productivity through multiple parallel groups.
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 design effectively prevents operator injury by ensuring panels are closed during labelling group movements and reduces costs by eliminating the need for actuators, while maintaining efficient operation and label application rates.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible wire 45, 46 connecting the panels 17, 18 respectively to the labelling groups 2, 3
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a labelling machine for applying labels onto articles, comprising a protective wall; one first labelling group which may move between an operative position in which it applies a plurality of labels onto corresponding articles, and a rest position; wall comprises at least one first opening which is at least partially engaged, in use, by first labelling group when it is set in operative position; first labelling group is arranged completely on a first side of wall as it is arranged in rest position, and is arranged at least partially on a second side, opposite to first side, of wall when it is arranged in operative position; wall comprises at least one first panel which may be moved between a closed position in which it covers opening, and an open position in which it leaves free opening; labelling machine comprises connecting means for connecting first panel to first labelling group at least when first labelling group moves, in use, between rest position and an intermediate position, which is arranged between operative and rest positions; the movement of first labelling group between intermediate position and rest position causing, in use, the movement of first panel between open and closed position.