Pivoting Dispensing Edge for Label Detachment and Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing labeling machines are expensive and inefficient when applying labels to bottles, particularly bottlenecks, due to the need for individual label handling and specialized equipment, which complicates the application process and ergonomics.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing device with a pivoting dispensing arm and head, allowing 2- or 3-dimensional adjustment of the dispensing edge to accommodate various bottle shapes, including bottlenecks, using a carrier strip with a dispensing edge that deflects labels from the tape, and incorporating deflection rollers to prevent label detachment during twisting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If individual label handling is used, then labeling precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabeling precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier strip is segmented into individual label units that can be independently handled and applied to different bottle locations, enabling precise labeling while maintaining a simpler overall system structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier strip acts as an intermediary element that holds multiple labels and facilitates their transfer to bottles, eliminating the need for complex individual label handling mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If specialized tripod equipment is used, then adaptability to different bottle shapes is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to bottle shapesVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing arm is designed with movable and adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to different bottle shapes and sizes, eliminating the need for complex specialized tripods while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The dispensing arm is designed as a universal component that can handle various bottle types (cylindrical, conical, irregular shapes) through its adjustable mechanism, replacing multiple specialized equipment with a single versatile device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If carrier tape is strongly deflected at dispensing edge, then label detachment from carrier tape is improved, but label orientation control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel detachment efficiencyVSAvoidlabel orientation control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing edge is designed to deflect the carrier tape in a controlled manner that separates the label detachment function from the orientation control function, allowing both to be optimized independently through multi-dimensional movement control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This solution provides a flexible, cost-effective, and ergonomic labeling system that can handle diverse bottle shapes, enabling easy application of labels to both belly and neck areas without the need for expensive special tripods, allowing for automatic bonding and improved usability.

Implementation Method 1

The dispensing edge is provided for deflecting the carrier tape in such a way that a respective label currently located on this dispensing edge detaches itself from the carrier tape as a result of this deflection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The dispensing head (12) has a pressure roller (22) for pressing the label onto the bottle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

incorporating deflection rollers to prevent label detachment during twisting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2157020B1Labelling machine and dispensing device for labelling machines
Publication Date: 2013.12.18 KRONES AG
  • EP2157020B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2157020B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a dispensing device for labeling machines (1) for applying labels supplied via a carrier belt carrying several labels to bottles, in particular bottle necks, comprising a dispensing arm (10) and a dispensing head (12) which is arranged on the dispensing arm (10) and has a dispensing edge (14) for deflecting the carrier belt to thereby detach a respective label, wherein the dispensing edge (14) and/or the dispensing head (12) is pivotable for adjusting the direction of movement of the labels detaching from the carrier belt.