Manual Label Application Device with Dual Receptacles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated label application devices are unsuitable for small series or unit production, and manual label application is often tedious and imprecise.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a first receptacle for holding a label and a second receptacle for maintaining an object in a predetermined position relative to the label, with a window allowing precise and reproducible application of the label to the object, using holding elements and grooves to secure the label and object in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If automated label application devices are used, then manufacturing precision and productivity are improved, but device complexity and cost increase, making them unsuitable for small series or unit production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel application precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate receptacles: a first receptacle for holding the label and a second receptacle for maintaining the object. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and specialized, avoiding the complexity of automated systems while achieving precise label application through manual operation guided by the fixed positioning of the two receptacles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first receptacle pre-positions the label in a predetermined location, and the second receptacle pre-positions the object. This preliminary positioning action ensures that when the label and object are brought together through the window opening, precise alignment is achieved automatically, eliminating the need for complex automated positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If manual label application is performed without positioning aids, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and reproducibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidlabel application precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The window opening acts as an intermediary element between the first receptacle (holding the label) and the second receptacle (holding the object). This window provides a fixed reference frame that mediates the positioning relationship between the label and object, ensuring precise alignment while keeping the overall device structure simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Both receptacles are designed to hold their respective items (label and object) in predetermined positions simultaneously. This equipotential positioning system ensures that when the label and object are brought together, they automatically align correctly, providing precise label application without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Device complexity

If the label and object are positioned manually without receptacles, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and reproducibility of positioning deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidpositioning reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The first receptacle self-holds the label in a predetermined position, and the second receptacle self-holds the object in a predetermined position. This self-positioning capability ensures reliable and reproducible alignment without requiring complex external positioning mechanisms or manual adjustment, as the receptacles themselves provide the positioning function through their fixed structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3541709B1Device and method for manually apllying a label on a predetermined object
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 SOCIETE BIC SA
  • EP3541709B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3541709B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5A
  • EP3541709B1 patent drawingFigure 5B~7

AI summary

Device for manually applying a label on a predetermined object (10), comprising a first receptacle (12) configured to receive and hold the label (60) and a second receptacle (14) configured to receive and hold the object (50) in a predetermined position in relation to the first receptacle (12), the second receptacle (14) being adjacent to the first receptacle (12) and having a window (14A) opening onto the first receptacle (12) in such a way that it is possible to apply the label (60) wholly or partially on the object (50).