Labelling Machine Partial Label Application Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labelling machines face difficulties in efficiently applying partial labels, which have a longitudinal extension smaller than 360°, due to challenges in the application of shorter labels using conventional pad-to-pad and flag labelling techniques.
Innovation Solution
The labelling machine is configured to control the angular speed of the support plates, allowing the peripheral speed of the container to exceed that of the transfer drum during label application, enabling quicker application of partial labels, even those that are very short.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional pad-to-pad or flag labelling techniques are used for partial labels, then the labelling process can be completed, but the application becomes inefficient and inaccurate for shorter labels
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the rotational speeds of the container support plates and transfer drum during the label application process. The support plates rotate at a first speed during label transfer, then accelerate to a second higher speed during the application phase, allowing the container to overtake the drum and reducing the angular distance traveled by the label on the container surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the rotational speed parameter of the container support plates from a constant first speed to a variable speed profile that includes a second higher speed during label application. This parameter change enables the container to move faster than the transfer drum, reducing the time and angular distance for label application and improving both efficiency and accuracy for partial labels.
2Loss of time
If the container rotates at constant speed during label application, then the process is simple to control, but the label application time is excessive for partial labels
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic speed control where the container support plates can operate at different rotational speeds during different phases of the labelling process. The plates rotate at a first speed during label transfer from the drum, then accelerate to a second higher speed during the application phase, allowing rapid completion of partial label application while maintaining manageable control complexity through phased speed changes.
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 improves the transfer and application of partial labels, reducing the angular distance traveled by the container and drum, ensuring accurate and efficient label application, even for very short labels, and minimizing flapping issues in the flag labelling technique.
Implementation Method 1
the vacuum drum suction is exerted on the labels through a series of ports or holes obtained on an outer lateral surface of the vacuum drum itself
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a labelling machine (1) for labelling containers (2) adapted to contain a pourable product, and comprising: a carousel (6) for advancing a plurality of containers (2) to be labelled; a feed roller (10) for feeding a web (4) of labelling material along a feed path (P); a cutting unit (12) arranged along the feed path (P) and configured for repeatedly cutting the web (4) thereby separating a sequence of labels (2) therefrom; a transfer drum (13) rotatable about a rotation axis (X) and configured to sequentially receive the labels (3) and to transfer such labels (3) to an application station (A) for the application thereof onto respective containers (2); the transfer drum (13) comprises at least one retaining sector (15) configured to receive and retain a label (3) and including a leading pad (15a) configured for retaining a leading end (3a) of the label (3) and a trailing pad (15b) configured for retaining a trailing end (3b) of the label (3); the labelling machine (1) is configured for labelling the containers (2) by means of partial labels (3).