Labelling Machine Rotary Support Sensor Coordination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labelling machines require a large number of optical detectors or complex image recording stations to accurately position labels on articles, leading to high costs, complexity, and significant downtime for size changes.
Innovation Solution
A labelling machine with a detecting station featuring a rotary support that coordinates its rotation with the carrousel to maintain a detecting sensor's focus on the article's surface, allowing for precise label positioning using a single or few sensors, and optionally incorporating print heads for direct surface printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple optical detectors are mounted on the carrousel to scan the entire lateral surface of each article, then the reference position can be detected, but the machine cost and maintenance cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The detection task is segmented between two functional groups: (1) a single optical detector that remains stationary relative to the carrousel supporting structure, and (2) a video camera system mounted on the carrousel that rotates with it. The stationary detector captures reference information while the rotating camera captures the entire lateral surface, dividing the detection workload to reduce the total number of detectors needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that combines images from multiple video cameras taken at different angular positions. This intermediary image processing approach allows a single stationary optical detector to effectively detect reference positions by receiving data from the rotating camera system, reducing the need for multiple simultaneous detectors
2Measurement precision
If all optical detectors are substituted or recalibrated when changing article types or sizes, then accurate detection is maintained, but machine downtime increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary optical detector serves multiple functions: it can detect reference positions for different article types and sizes without requiring substitution or recalibration. The system is designed to be universal, handling various container types (cylindrical, rectangular, irregular shapes) with a single detector configuration, eliminating the need for detector changes during reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of reference positions and article characteristics using the stationary detector before the full labeling process begins. This allows the control system to pre-adjust parameters and prepare for the specific article type, minimizing the time required when switching between different article types or sizes
3Measurement precision
If an image recording station with multiple video cameras is used to scan the entire lateral surface, then the reference position can be detected, but the machine dimensions and purchase costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral surface scanning function is segmented between a stationary optical detector and a rotating video camera system. The stationary detector handles reference position detection while the rotating camera, mounted on the carrousel, captures the entire lateral surface during its rotation, eliminating the need for a large stationary recording station with multiple cameras
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static recording station to a dynamic detection system where the video camera rotates with the carrousel. This dynamic approach allows the camera to capture the entire lateral surface of each article as it passes by, reducing the spatial footprint of the detection system while maintaining comprehensive scanning capability
4Measurement precision
If three or more video cameras are used to scan the entire lateral surface at operating speeds, then complete surface coverage is achieved, but the maximum processing speed is significantly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating video camera on the carrousel continuously captures images of the lateral surface throughout its rotation, ensuring complete coverage without requiring the article to stop or slow down. This continuous action maintains high processing speeds while achieving full surface scanning, unlike stationary multi-camera systems that require articles to pass through a fixed scanning zone
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic rotation of the video camera synchronized with the carrousel motion allows the system to capture the entire lateral surface at high speeds. The camera's angular position is coordinated with the carrousel rotation, enabling complete surface coverage during the article's brief passage through the detection zone, thus maintaining high productivity
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
This configuration reduces the number of required sensors and operational complexity, lowers costs, and enables faster size changes and higher production efficiency by maintaining sensor focus on the article's surface, while also allowing for versatile printing operations.
Implementation Method 1
scan the lateral surface of each article to be labelled with a view to detecting a reference element on the lateral surface
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a labelling machine (1), comprising a carousel (3) rotatably mounted a supporting frame (2) in such a way that it can rotate about a first axis of rotation (30) and a plurality of supporting elements (4) for articles to be labelled (9). The supporting elements (4) are mounted on the periphery of the carousel (3) and are able to rotate about respective second axes of rotation (40). The machine (1) is characterised in that it comprises an operating unit (55) which is mounted on a rotary support (6) mounted on the supporting frame (2). The support (6) is able to rotate about a third axis of rotation (60) which is at a distance, along a radial line, from the first axis of rotation (30). The carousel (3) is movable relative to the third axis of rotation (60) and the operating unit (55), which is rotatable together with the rotary support (6), is designed to perform an operation on a lateral surface of an article (9) which is on its operating line when the article (9), positioned on a respective supporting element (4), passes near to the operating unit (55) during the rotation of the carousel (3). The rotation of the rotary support (6) about the third axis of rotation (60) is coordinated with the rotation of the carousel (3) about the first axis of rotation (30), whereby, in use, the rotation of the rotary support (6) about the third axis of rotation (60) keeps the operating unit (55) with the operating line towards the article to be labelled (9) along a stretch of angular movement of the carousel (3) about the first axis of rotation (30).