Modular Slide Assembly for Label Pressing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labelling devices for packaging machines face challenges with complex and costly manufacturing processes due to integral base plates with numerous pressing pins, difficult assembly, high storage costs, and limited material options, which hinder efficiency and hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A modular slide assembly design featuring a base plate and cassette modules, where pressing elements are attached to the cassette modules rather than the base plate, allowing for easier manufacturing, reduced costs, and improved assembly and cleaning processes, with pre-tensioned spring-loaded pressing elements for precise label application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an integral base plate design with numerous receiving openings is used to accommodate pressing pins, then the pressing function is achieved, but the manufacturing effort and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is divided into two functional parts: a simplified base plate without receiving openings and separate pressing elements that each contain their own receiving openings. This segmentation allows the base plate to be manufactured simply while the pressing elements handle the complexity of accommodating springs and pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing elements act as intermediary components between the base plate and the label pressing function. They carry the receiving openings and spring mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex openings in the base plate itself while maintaining the pressing functionality.
2Productivity
If pressing pins are assembled individually on the base plate, then the assembly is complete, but the assembly process becomes extremely difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing assembly is segmented into self-contained pressing elements that can be pre-assembled and tested independently. Each pressing element is a complete functional unit that can be attached to the base plate as a module, dramatically reducing assembly complexity and time.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing elements are pre-assembled with their springs and pins before being mounted on the base plate. This preliminary assembly allows for quality control and adjustment to be performed on individual elements, making the final assembly process much faster and easier.
3Adaptability or versatility
If one-piece base plates of various sizes are produced, then different application requirements are met, but storage space requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate system is segmented into a standard base plate and interchangeable pressing elements. Different application requirements are met by selecting different numbers and configurations of pressing elements rather than manufacturing different sized base plates, eliminating the need for multiple base plate variants.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal base plate design can accommodate various pressing configurations by simply adding or removing pressing elements. This universal base plate serves multiple functions across different applications, eliminating the need for specialized base plates for each application size.
4Reliability
If cost-intensive materials are used for the base plate, then sufficient strength and hygiene properties are achieved, but manufacturing costs increase strongly with size
Solution Approach 1:
The material requirements are segmented and applied selectively: the base plate can be made from less expensive materials since it only provides structural support, while the pressing elements that contact labels can be made from materials with the required hygiene and strength properties. This reduces overall material costs while maintaining reliability.
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
The modular design simplifies manufacturing and assembly, reduces costs, enhances serviceability, and allows for the use of materials suited for specific purposes, improving the overall efficiency and hygiene of the labelling process while maintaining precise label application.
Implementation Method 1
pressing elements (19) which are pre-tensioned by means of a spring (30) into a first position
Data Source
AI summary
A labelling device having a label dispenser and transfer device for transferring a row of labels delivered to the transfer device to an article web. The transfer device may include at least one vertically adjustable slide assembly mounted thereon for pressing the labels onto the article web, and the slide assembly may comprise a base plate and a plurality of pressing elements. The slide assembly may further comprise at least one cassette module assembled with the base plate, and one or more of the pressing elements may be arranged on each of the cassette modules.