Motorized Labeler Extension for Bottom Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labeling devices with pull-out mechanisms for bottom pack labeling are difficult to access and adjust, making operation and maintenance challenging due to manual adjustment requirements and lack of accessibility for adjusting the retracted end position.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a motorized adjustment unit, including an electric motor drive and a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, to automatically adjust the position of the pull-out device's retracted end position, allowing for precise positioning and enhanced safety features like retraction and extension protection to prevent operator injuries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual pull-out mechanism with adjustable stopper is used, then the labeler is accessible for maintenance, but the adjustment of the retracted end position is difficult to access and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical adjustment system (stopper on rail with screw connections) is replaced by an automated motorized system. The motorized adjustment unit with drive mechanism automatically positions the pull-out carrier, eliminating the need for manual operation of the complex mechanical adjustment components while maintaining positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment through automated control. The motorized adjustment unit responds to control signals to automatically reposition the pull-out carrier and labeler, eliminating the need for operator intervention in the adjustment process while maintaining adaptability to different labeling positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the labeler is positioned below the conveyor belt for bottom labeling, then labeling function is achieved, but accessibility for operation and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The labeler system is made dynamically movable through the pull-out mechanism. The labeler can be repositioned between a retracted position (below the conveyor belt for labeling operation) and an extended service position (accessible for maintenance). This dynamic positioning allows the system to alternate between operational and maintenance states, resolving the accessibility conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The labeler is extracted from its fixed position below the conveyor belt and placed on a movable pull-out carrier. This extraction allows the labeler to be removed from the confined space during maintenance operations while returning to the operational position during labeling, separating the operational requirement from the maintenance accessibility requirement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the position of the retracted end position needs to be adjusted for different label positions, then adaptability is improved, but the adjustment process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical adjustment process is replaced by an automated motorized positioning system. The motorized adjustment unit receives control signals and automatically moves the pull-out carrier to the desired position, eliminating manual intervention and significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining full position adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control for position adjustment. Sensors detect the position of the pull-out carrier and provide feedback to the control system, which adjusts the motorized adjustment unit to achieve precise positioning. This closed-loop control ensures accurate and rapid positioning while reducing adjustment time.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a labeling device (13) with a conveyor belt (27, 29) for transporting packages, a labeler (43) for applying labels to the bottom of the packages, and an extension device (45) comprising an extension (49) which is mounted on a stationary extension carrier (53) via an extension guide (51) and is linearly movable relative to the carrier between a retracted end position and an extended end position, wherein the labeler is positioned on the extension, and wherein the extension device is designed such that the position of the retracted end position of the extension is adjustable. The extension device includes a motorized adjustment unit (65) for adjusting the position of the retracted end position of the extension.