Orbiting Belt Label Applicator for Non-Rotating Cable Wrapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire and cable labeling devices are cumbersome, complex, and inefficient, often requiring immovable fixtures and struggling with varying object shapes and sizes, and lack efficient methods for applying self-laminating labels.
Innovation Solution
An automated label applicator with a wrapping mechanism that orbits around the object, using a belt deflectable against elastic force, driven by a first driver, and assisted by a conveyor system with a suction mechanism to apply labels without spinning the object, allowing for efficient wrapping of labels around elongated objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional wire labeling apparatuses use separate components for straightening, centering, and clamping with an orbiting label applicator, then labeling can be accomplished, but the device becomes complex and requires immovable fixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (straightening, centering, clamping, and label application) into a single integrated wrapping mechanism. The belt-driven system performs all these operations simultaneously as the belt wraps around the object, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrapping mechanism is designed to handle various object shapes and sizes through a single universal system. The elastic belt and adjustable tensioning mechanism allow the same device to accommodate different objects without requiring specialized components for each type.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional wire labeling apparatuses accommodate orbiting label applicator space, then labeling can be performed, but the device becomes cumbersome and unsuitable for portable use
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the label application mechanism with the wrapping action itself, the patent eliminates the need for a separate orbiting applicator platform. The label is applied directly as the belt wraps around the object, significantly reducing the space and weight requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the orbiting platform concept and replaces it with a stationary wrapping mechanism where the belt does the work. This removes the heavy moving components associated with traditional orbiting systems while maintaining labeling functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional labeling devices deliver discrete labels from a roll, then labeling can be accomplished, but the process becomes slow and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a continuous belt that wraps around the object multiple times, allowing continuous label application without stopping to change labels or reposition components. The elastic belt maintains constant tension and contact throughout the wrapping process, enabling uninterrupted high-speed labeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The label is pre-positioned on the elastic belt before wrapping begins. As the belt stretches and wraps around the object, the label is automatically positioned and applied in the correct location, eliminating the need for real-time label positioning and changing during the labeling process.
4Ease of manufacture
If wire labelers must apply appropriate pressure between the labeler and wire while orbiting, then labeling can be performed, but the design complicates when objects take on various shapes or sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastic belt whose tension and conformability can adapt to different object geometries. The belt's elastic properties allow it to maintain appropriate pressure on objects of various shapes and sizes without requiring adjustable mechanical pressure systems, providing both consistent labeling quality and high adaptability.
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 solution enables efficient, portable, and flexible labeling of wires and cables of varying diameters, particularly suitable for self-laminating labels, by orbiting the wrapping mechanism to ensure complete label adhesion without rotating the object.
Implementation Method 1
a suction mechanism to apply to retain the label on the incoming conveyor
Implementation Method 2
The belt is deflectable against an elastic force such that the belt can be recessed within the central portion by a force provide by the object to be labeled
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An elongated object label applicator comprising: a wrapping mechanism having a recessed central portion configured to receive an elongated object to be labeled therein, the wrapping mechanism rotatable about an axis of rotation passing through the central portion wherein the wrapping mechanism orbits the object; an incoming conveyor driven by a conveyor driver, the incoming conveyor in operable alignment with the wrapping mechanism wherein a label traveling on the incoming conveyor is delivered to the wrapping mechanism; and an object lift mechanism comprising a cradle for loading the object and positioning the object within the central portion of the wrapping mechanism; a switch configured to, upon actuation, start a wrapping process, the process comprising the wrapping mechanism rotating about the axis of rotation and orbiting the object.