Automated Labelling Machine for Stack Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing labelling machines for stacks of laminar elements, such as cardboard sheets, require manual operation and are prone to errors, with labels often detaching or being misplaced, and have complex assembly and long operating times.

Innovation Solution

A labelling machine with a movable head equipped with printing, separation, and abutment means, allowing automated label placement between laminar elements without operator intervention, using a movable column and retractable blades to separate elements and ensure label retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual labelling is used, then operators can place labels on stacks, but errors occur during placement and labels may detach

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel placement accuracyVSAvoidautomation level

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical labelling operations with an automated labelling machine that uses a movable head, separation means with retractable blades, and abutment means to automatically separate elements and place labels between them, eliminating human error and improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The labelling machine performs the labelling operation autonomously without requiring operator intervention during the actual label placement process, with the system self-regulating through automated separation and positioning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If existing labelling machines are used, then labels can be placed on stacks, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidmachine structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The labelling machine is divided into distinct functional modules: a movable head supported on a support structure, separation means with retractable blades, abutment means, and printing means. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying assembly and maintenance while reducing overall structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If existing labelling machines are used, then labels can be placed on stacks, but operating time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabelling speedVSAvoidlabel placement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The separation means with retractable blades预先 separate the laminar elements before label placement, creating the necessary space for the label. The abutment means are positioned in advance to prevent unwanted displacement during the operation, ensuring the process can proceed quickly and efficiently without adjustments during label placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4417531B1Machine and method for labelling a stack of elements

Publication Date: 2025.11.26 AL-GAR PROJECTS SL

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AI summary

The invention relates to a labelling machine (1) for labelling a stack of elements, being intended for the automated placement of a label located between elements forming part of the stack, comprising a support structure (2); printing means configured for printing a label to be placed on a stack of elements; a head (6) supported on the support structure (2), the head (6) being provided with printing means, the head being movable and adjustable at least in height through guiding means and motorised means; and separation means intended for separating two elements superimposed on one another forming part of the stack, such that they vertically separate an element to be handled, generating a free space between the two elements intended for the arrangement of the label.