Magnetic Planar Container Handling for Flexible Labeling Changeovers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container equipping systems lack flexibility and efficiency in adapting to different container shapes and sizes, requiring time-consuming retooling for changes in equipping variants.
Innovation Solution
A device with a planar drive system and magnetic interaction-based movement devices that allow for flexible equipping of containers, including labelling and imprinting, without physical contact and large rotating masses, enabling adaptable movement and secure gripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a container carousel with large rotating mass is used, then containers can be equipped in a centralized manner, but the system becomes complex and requires significant retooling for different container types
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the equipping function into separate modular units (imprinting unit, labelling unit, label-fixing unit) that can be independently controlled. Each movement device operates autonomously to transport containers to specific equipping units, eliminating the need for a single large rotating carousel and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically controllable movement devices that can adjust their position and motion in real-time based on the current equipping task. This dynamic control allows the same hardware to handle different container types and equipping variants without physical reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Reliability
If dedicated motors with spatially closed units are used for each labelling assembly, then reliable equipping can be achieved, but changeover time increases when switching between different equipping variants
Solution Approach 1:
The movement devices serve multiple functions: they transport containers, position them for equipping, and can operate with different equipping units (imprinting, labelling, label-fixing). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated motors for each equipping variant, allowing rapid switching between different container types and equipping methods without losing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (movement speed, position, equipping unit selection) rather than physical configuration to adapt to different equipping variants. This parameter-based adaptation maintains reliable equipping operation while enabling rapid changeovers, as the same movement devices can be reconfigured through control changes rather than physical retooling.
3Ease of manufacture
If contactless magnetic interaction is used for movement, then wear is reduced and operation is smoother, but control precision for positioning may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives feedback about the position and status of movement devices and containers, allowing it to adjust magnetic interaction parameters in real-time to achieve precise positioning. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling contactless operation for wear resistance while maintaining positioning precision through active control adjustment.
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
Facilitates efficient and flexible equipping of containers of varying shapes and sizes with reduced changeover times, allowing for 'labelling on demand' and increased throughput.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one movement device is movable by means of magnetic interaction with the base element to the at least one equipping unit for equipping the container held in the container holder
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for equipping containers (12), preferably with labels (44) or prints. The device has at least one equipping device (18, 20, 22, 23) for equipping containers (12) and a planar drive system (16) with a base element (30) and at least one movement device (32). The at least one movement device (32) has a container carrier (34) for holding a container (12). The at least one movement device (32) can be moved to the at least one equipping device (18, 20, 22, 23) by means of magnetic interaction with the base element (30) in order to equip the container (12) held in the container carrier (34). The device (10) can be used very flexibly.