Nested Label Cutting Device for Compact Variable Length Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label cutting devices are large and inflexible, making it difficult to produce both shorter and longer labels without increasing the device's size.
Innovation Solution
A label cutting device with a smaller blade roller and a counterblade roller that has a larger circumference, allowing for adjustable label length without increasing the device's overall size. The counterblade roller has a recessed area that allows the blade to pass through without contact, enabling smaller device dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the blade roller and counterblade roller are sized to produce longer labels, then the device size increases, but this makes the device large and inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The blade roller is positioned within the circumferential space of the counterblade roller, with the blade extending radially inward to engage a cutting groove on the counterblade roller's surface. This nested arrangement allows the cutting mechanism to be compact while the counterblade roller's larger circumference enables production of longer labels without proportionally increasing overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting mechanism utilizes the radial dimension by extending the blade radially inward from the blade roller to engage the cutting groove on the counterblade roller. This radial engagement allows the cutting action to occur at a specific radius while the counterblade roller's circumference determines label length, decoupling device size from label length scalability.
2Length of stationary object
If the blade roller is made smaller to reduce device size, then the device becomes compact, but the ability to produce longer labels is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The smaller blade roller is nested within the larger counterblade roller's circumferential path, with the blade extending radially to engage the cutting groove. This allows the compact blade roller to work in conjunction with the larger counterblade roller, enabling production of longer labels without requiring a proportionally larger blade roller.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting function is segmented between two separate components: the blade roller (which can remain compact) and the counterblade roller (which provides the larger circumference needed for longer labels). The blade engages the cutting groove on the counterblade roller, allowing each component to be optimized independently for size and function.
3Area of stationary object
If the blade roller and counterblade roller are positioned closer together to reduce device footprint, then the device becomes compact, but cutting precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The blade roller is positioned such that its circumference is nested within the counterblade roller's circumferential path, with the blade extending radially inward to engage the cutting groove. This nested configuration allows close positioning of the rollers, minimizing device footprint while maintaining cutting precision through the defined radial engagement geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
Both rollers utilize curved cylindrical surfaces, with the blade engaging the cutting groove on the counterblade roller's curved surface. This curved geometry ensures consistent contact and cutting precision even when the rollers are positioned closely together, as the curvature provides a stable engagement interface.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
There is described a cutting device (11, 11', 11'') for cutting labels (2), configured to be applied onto articles (4) adapted to contain a pourable product, from a web (3) of labelling material; the cutting device (11, 11', 11'') comprises: a first rotary member (14) rotatable about a first axis (X), comprising a blade element (16) and advancing, in use, the blade element (16) around the first axis (X); a second rotary member (15, 15', 15'') rotatable about a second axis (Y), having a receiving portion (17) on its outer lateral surface (18, 18', 18'') configured to cyclically receive the blade element (16), advancing, in use, the receiving portion (17) around the second axis (Y), and supporting, in use, the web (3) on the outer lateral surface (18, 18', 18''); and a cutting station (T) at which, cyclically, the blade element (16) engages, in use, the receiving portion (17) to cut the web (3) at predetermined cutting portions thereof covering one at a time the receiving portion (17); wherein the radial distance between the second axis (Y) and the receiving portion (17) is greater than the radial distance between the first axis (X) and the blade element (16); wherein the second rotary member (15, 15', 15'') comprises: a first angular portion (20, 20', 20'') extending at a first radial distance from the second axis (Y) and comprising the receiving portion (17); and a second angular portion (21, 21', 21'') angularly spaced from the first portion (20, 20', 20'') and extending at a second radial distance from the second axis (Y), the first distance being greater than the second distance; and wherein the blade element (16) is configured to face, cyclically and at the cutting station (T), the first angular portion (20, 20', 20'') and the second angular portion (21, 21', 21'') alternately to one another.