Integrated Handle Applicator for PET Container Labeling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching handles to PET containers are complex, expensive, and require additional machinery, leading to high investment costs, increased energy consumption, and space requirements, especially at high production volumes.
Innovation Solution
A labeling machine with an integrated handle applicator that aligns and attaches handles to PET containers using existing machinery, reducing the need for separate equipment and optimizing energy use by leveraging existing position detection and transport systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a separate machine is used for handle attachment, then the handle can be attached to PET containers, but investment costs and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the handle attachment function with the existing labeling machine by integrating a handle applicator into the labeling device. The handle applicator is positioned on the periphery of the carousel and applies handles to containers during the same rotary cycle used for labeling, merging two separate operations into one integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The labeling machine is designed to perform multiple functions: it labels containers and simultaneously attaches handles using the integrated handle applicator. The carousel and position detection system serve both labeling and handle attachment operations, making the machine universal and eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate machines are used for handle attachment, then handle application is possible, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle applicator is integrated into the labeling machine's carousel system, allowing both labeling and handle attachment to occur during the same rotary cycle. The position detection device and drive system are shared between the two functions, eliminating the need for separate energy-consuming machinery and reducing overall energy consumption.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate machines are used for handle attachment, then handle attachment can be performed, but additional space requirements arise
Solution Approach 1:
The handle applicator is mounted on the periphery of the existing carousel used for labeling, utilizing the same rotational space and footprint. This integration allows handle attachment without requiring additional floor space or separate machine locations, as both functions share the same physical platform.
4Productivity
If rotary machine design is used for high output (>12,000 bottles/hour), then productivity increases, but device complexity and investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary labeling machine is designed to perform multiple operations in sequence during a single rotation: container feeding, labeling, and handle attachment. The carousel positions containers sequentially past different stations, allowing high-speed multi-function processing without requiring separate machines for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The infeed starwheel pre-aligns containers in the correct orientation before they enter the carousel. The position detection device pre-identifies container positions, allowing the system to maintain high speed while ensuring proper alignment for both labeling and handle attachment operations.
5Productivity
If infeed starwheel and outfeed starwheel are used, then container feeding and discharge efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container handling process is divided into distinct segments: the infeed starwheel handles container loading and initial positioning, the carousel performs labeling and handle attachment during rotation, and the outfeed starwheel manages container discharge. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together in a coordinated sequence.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a labeling machine (1) for labeling PET containers (4) with a container inlet (10), a transport unit (5) with a plurality of rotary tables (21) for aligning the containers, a labeling unit (3), a container outlet (9), wherein a handle applicator (7) for attaching a handle (15) to the container is arranged at the periphery of the transport unit.