Labelling Machine Pattern Detection and Label Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing labelling machines face challenges in accurately positioning and cutting labelling material webs to prevent incorrect labels, leading to discarded products due to operator dependency and misalignment during format changes or splicing processes.

Innovation Solution

A labelling machine equipped with a determination device that detects the relative positioning of decorative patterns using a sensor and processing unit to generate a detection signal, allowing for precise alignment and removal of incorrect labels, ensuring correct cutting and application of labels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual alignment of the web of labelling material is performed by an operator during format change or splicing, then the positioning can be adjusted, but the precision depends on operator skill and errors occur leading to incorrect labels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidmanual operation dependency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated optical detection system. A sensor detects the position of decorative patterns on the web of labelling material, and a control unit processes this information to automatically adjust the positioning, eliminating dependency on operator skill while achieving high precision alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-alignment through automatic detection and correction. The sensor continuously monitors the web position, and the control unit automatically adjusts the advancement of the web or positioning of the cutting unit without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to self-correct alignment deviations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the web of labelling material is advanced and cut without precise positioning detection, then the process is simple and fast, but incorrect labels are produced leading to discarded receptacles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabelling speedVSAvoidlabel cutting precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where a sensor continuously detects the actual position of decorative patterns on the advancing web, and this information is fed back to the control unit. The control unit compares the detected position with the desired position and automatically adjusts the cutting timing or web advancement to ensure precise label cutting, maintaining both high speed and high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of the web position and decorative pattern alignment before the cutting operation. The sensor detects pattern positions in advance, allowing the control unit to pre-calculate and prepare the correct cutting timing and positioning, ensuring precision labels are produced without slowing down the overall process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If a new web of labelling material is spliced during production to avoid interruption, then continuous production is maintained, but alignment of decorative patterns is difficult and incorrect labels are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction continuityVSAvoidpattern alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback system continuously monitors the position of decorative patterns on the newly spliced web material. The sensor detects pattern positions in real-time, and the control unit automatically adjusts the web advancement or cutting timing to compensate for any misalignment introduced during splicing, ensuring correct labels are produced without interrupting production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection and alignment adjustment immediately after splicing. The sensor detects the position of decorative patterns on the new web before cutting begins, allowing the control unit to pre-adjust the positioning or timing to ensure correct alignment from the start of the new web, preventing incorrect labels while maintaining production continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3604149B1Labelling machine and method for applying labels
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS SAS
  • EP3604149B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3604149B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3604149B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

There is described a labelling machine (1) for applying labels (2) to receptacles (3) comprising at least a first conveyor (10) for advancing a web (11) having a succession of decorative patterns (15); a cutting unit (12) configured to cut said web (11) so as to obtain individual labels (2); a second conveyor (14) configured to advance the individual labels (2); a control unit (17) configured to control a positioning of the web (11) in relation to a reference station (18), a determination device (19) configured to determine and/or detect a relative positioning of the decorative patterns (15) in relation to the reference station (18); and a removal device (20) configured to remove incorrect labels (2) that are determined and/or detected as a function of the relative positioning of the decorative patterns (15) in relation to the reference station (18).