Laser Label Cutting Roller with Internal Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting units for labels are costly to manufacture and maintain, and there is a need for a more efficient method to cut and attach labels to containers while ensuring precise cutting and attachment.
Innovation Solution
A cutting unit with a rotatable roller and a radiation device, such as a laser, is used to cut labels by directing radiation through the roller's peripheral wall, utilizing a deflection element to guide the beam for precise cutting and attachment, with the option of using mirrors or other light-deflecting elements to control the cutting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional cutting knives are used to cut labels, then the cutting function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cutting knife system with a laser radiation system. The laser beam cuts the labels without physical contact, eliminating the need for mechanical blades while maintaining cutting precision. This substitution reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs associated with mechanical cutting components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cutting method from mechanical force to optical energy. By using laser radiation with specific parameters (wavelength, power, pulse duration), the system achieves precise cutting without the complexity of mechanical knife systems, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If a stationary radiation device is used to cut rotating labels, then the cutting precision is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam path through the peripheral wall as an intermediary mechanism. The stationary radiation device emits beams that pass through the roller's peripheral wall to reach the rotating labels. This intermediary approach allows precise cutting without requiring the radiation device to rotate, thus maintaining cutting precision while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the radiation interaction to a different spatial dimension by having the beam pass through the peripheral wall of the roller. This dimensional approach allows the stationary radiation device to effectively cut rotating labels without direct rotational movement of the radiation source, simplifying the system while maintaining precision.
3Productivity
If the laser beam is directed through the peripheral wall of the roller, then the cutting efficiency is improved, but the structural complexity of the roller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the roller structure by creating a beam path through the peripheral wall. This segmentation allows the laser beam to pass through specific regions of the roller to reach the labels, enabling efficient cutting while keeping the overall roller structure relatively simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality changes to the peripheral wall by creating a specific beam path region. The peripheral wall is designed with a localized feature (beam path) that allows laser transmission, while the rest of the roller maintains its standard structure. This localized modification improves cutting efficiency without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
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 solution reduces manufacturing costs and enables precise cutting and attachment of labels to containers, ensuring efficient operation and high-quality results.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation device (46), which directs radiation onto the label strips (8) for cutting the labels
Implementation Method 2
The radiation device preferably has a laser source which is arranged in a stationary manner
Implementation Method 3
In its interior, the roller has a deflection element for the radiation emitted by the radiation device. It is possible, for example, for the laser radiation to be sent from above onto the deflection element essentially along an axis of rotation of the roller
Implementation Method 4
the rotatable roller (42) having attachment means for at least temporarily attaching the label strip (8) to a peripheral wall of the roller
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The device comprises a unit (2) for cutting labels (18) from a label strip (8), an applying unit (4), which is arranged downstream to the cutting unit and applies labels on containers (10), and a guiding device (32). The applying unit comprises a radiation device, which is arranged in such a manner that the radiation applies a first section of the labels on an external wall of the containers and comprises a laser light source. The applying unit comprises a carrier device, which transports the containers on a web in the shape of a segment of a circle, and support elements for the containers. The device comprises a unit (2) for cutting labels (18) from a label strip (8), an applying unit (4), which is arranged downstream to the cutting unit and applies labels on containers (10), and a guiding device (32). The applying unit comprises a radiation device, which is arranged in such a manner that the radiation applies a first section of the labels on an external wall of the containers and comprises a laser light source. The applying unit comprises a carrier device, which transports the containers on a web, which is in the shape of a segment of a circle, and support elements for the containers, where the support elements are rotatably arranged on the carrier device. The first section of the labels is connected with a second section of the labels. The applying unit comprises a radiation guiding device, which changes an impact area of the radiation. The guiding device guides the cutting label during the applying procedure. The control device comprises through-holes for the radiation. The guiding device consists of a material transparent for the radiation. The cutting unit comprises a radiation device for cutting the label strips and a swivelable roller for the label strip, where the swivelable roller comprises mounting means in order to fix the label strip intermittently to a circumferential wall of the roller. The cutting unit comprises a plate for guiding the label strip, where the plate is arranged stationary and adjacent to the roller. The guide plate comprises a recess, by which the label strips are intermittently fastened at the roller. Independent claims are included for: (1) an applying unit for the applying labels on the containers; (2) a cutting unit for cutting labels from a label strip; and (3) a method for the applying of a label on containers.