Loop Forming Device for Textile Labels

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing label formats require different devices for each format, leading to complex and costly conversion processes when switching between simple loop, U-shaped, and V-shaped labels.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that use flexible strip material, clamping points, and adjustable elements to form and fix various loop formats, allowing for the production of multiple label formats without the need for device changes, by clamping, severing, and adjusting the strip material to create simple, V-shaped, and U-shaped loops, which can be fixed to a textile edge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If different devices are used for each label format, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but device complexity and conversion time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel format precisionVSAvoiddevice conversion complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal label making machine capable of producing multiple label formats (simple loops, U-shaped loops, V-shaped loops, and flag labels) using a single device. The machine includes adjustable components such as a folding plate with variable positioning, a carriage with width adjustment mechanism, and a forming plate that can be repositioned, allowing one device to perform functions previously requiring multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamically adjustable components including a carriage with adjustment mechanism for strip width, a folding plate that can be positioned at different locations, and a forming plate that can be repositioned. These dynamic elements allow the device to adapt its configuration for different label formats without requiring complete device replacement or complex conversions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional elements are incorporated to produce U-shaped labels, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel format versatilityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple label format capabilities into a single device by incorporating adjustable components rather than adding separate dedicated mechanisms for each format. The folding plate, carriage, and forming plate work together in different configurations to produce various label types, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into functional modules including a feed mechanism, a carriage with adjustment mechanism, a folding plate, and a forming plate. Each module can be independently adjusted or repositioned to accommodate different label formats, allowing versatility to be achieved through modular adjustment rather than adding monolithic complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If device modifications are made for format changes, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel format adaptabilityVSAvoidconversion time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamically adjustable components that can be reconfigured quickly for different label formats. The carriage with width adjustment mechanism, the repositionable folding plate, and the adjustable forming plate allow operators to change between label types through simple adjustments rather than time-consuming device modifications or replacements, significantly reducing conversion time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device includes pre-configurable adjustment mechanisms that allow quick setup for different label formats. The carriage adjustment mechanism and repositionable components can be pre-set for different label types, enabling rapid format changes without requiring complex modifications during production transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3604656B1Method and device for forming a loop
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 SCHMALE HLDG GMBH
  • EP3604656B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3604656B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP3604656B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for forming a loop (1, 1') from flexible tape material (2) and for fixing the loop (1, 1') to a piece of textile, comprising the following process steps: - the tape material (2) is conveyed from a tape material supply in the form of a strip (4) of sufficient length to form a loop, wherein the first end (7) of the strip (4) located at the front in the conveying direction (5) is clamped at a first clamping point (8), wherein further tape material (2) is conveyed from the tape material supply until the sufficient length of the strip (4) is reached, wherein the strip (4) forms a simple loop (1) and the strip (4) is clamped at a second clamping point (10) which holds a second end (12) of the strip (4).wherein the tape material (2) is cut in the direction of the tape material (2) behind the second clamping point (10) and the strip (4) formed into a simple loop (1) extends between the first clamping point (8) and the second clamping point (10).