Modular Portal Design for Labeling Machine Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container treatment machines, such as labeling machines, face challenges in achieving a modularized design that simplifies assembly, manufacturing, and reduces complex adjustment processes, while also facilitating component transport and replacement.

Innovation Solution

A container treatment machine design featuring a portal and base frame with a carousel, where the portal provides torque support and can be easily assembled and aligned, along with a standardized table top that accommodates different carousel sizes, allowing for a compact and cost-effective modular structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a modularized design with separate portal and base frame is implemented, then assembly simplicity and manufacturing efficiency are improved, but structural stability and alignment precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The machine is divided into separate modular components: a portal (101) and a base frame (103) with carousel (102). These modules can be manufactured independently and assembled together, improving manufacturing efficiency and assembly simplicity while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The portal is designed as a universal support structure that can accommodate different carousel sizes and configurations. The standardized portal design allows it to serve multiple functions across different machine variants, providing both structural support and alignment reference for various modular components.

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

2Device complexity

If the portal is designed to provide torque support through the upper part, then additional components are eliminated, but the complexity of the portal structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidportal structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The portal's upper part is designed to integrate multiple functions: structural support, alignment reference, and torque support for the carousel. By merging these functions into a single integrated structure, the design eliminates the need for separate torque support components, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The upper part of the portal serves multiple purposes: it provides structural support for the carousel, establishes alignment references, and transmits torque. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed in the system.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If standardized portal dimensions are used across an assortment of machines, then production costs are reduced and component replacement is simplified, but adaptability to different carousel sizes may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoidcarousel size compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A standardized portal design with fixed dimensions is used across different machine variants in the assortment. This universal portal can accommodate various carousel sizes through adjustable mounting positions and flexible connection interfaces, maintaining production efficiency while providing adaptability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized portal incorporates adjustable and flexible elements that allow it to adapt to different carousel configurations. While the overall portal dimensions remain constant for manufacturing efficiency, certain mounting parameters and connection points can be adjusted to accommodate different carousel sizes and treatment requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2792604B1Container handling machine
Publication Date: 2016.04.27 KRONES AG
  • EP2792604B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2792604B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2792604B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Container treatment machine, in particular a labeling machine, comprising a portal (101) and a base frame (103) with a carousel for receiving containers for treatment, wherein the portal includes an opening through which containers to be treated can be conveyed to the carousel, wherein the opening is limited by a support part (104) on which supports for supporting the portal on the ground are provided, a top part (107) on which at least a part of the carousel is attached, and two connecting parts (105, 105') that connect the support part and the top part, wherein the top part extends from one connecting part to the other connecting part.