Pivoting Dual Label Applicator for High Speed Packaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label applicators struggle to efficiently apply labels to both sides of items moving along a conveyance path, particularly at high throughput rates in supply chain packaging lines.
Innovation Solution
A labeling system with a pivotal frame component and vacuum applicator, controlled by linear actuators, allows for the sequential application of labels to leading and lateral sides of items by pivoting between different positions along the conveyance path, enabling efficient dual-side labeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single label applicator is used to apply labels to two sides of items, then the equipment complexity is reduced, but the productivity and labeling speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The label applicator is divided into two separate applicators (first label applicator and second label applicator), each dedicated to applying labels to a specific side of the item. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation on both sides, doubling the productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from sequential single-side labeling to parallel dual-side labeling by adding a spatial dimension - the second label applicator is positioned to access the lateral side while the first applicator handles the leading side, enabling concurrent labeling operations on different faces of the same item
2Adaptability or versatility
If the label applicator pivots between multiple positions to access different sides, then the versatility and adaptability improve, but the device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Both label applicators share a common pivot mechanism and actuator system, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple functions - the first applicator pivots to access the leading side while the second applicator pivots to access the lateral side, reducing overall system complexity through shared components
Solution Approach 2:
The label applicators are designed with dynamic pivoting capability rather than fixed positions, allowing them to adaptively move between the label load position and their respective apply positions. This dynamic configuration enables flexible access to different sides of items while maintaining a compact footprint through controlled motion
3Productivity
If the label applicator operates at high speed to meet throughput requirements, then the productivity increases, but the labeling precision and label application quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Labels are pre-loaded onto the label applicators while positioned at the label load position, away from the high-speed pivot and application zone. This preliminary loading action ensures labels are ready for immediate application without interrupting the high-speed cycling, maintaining both productivity and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The label loading function is extracted and separated from the high-speed pivoting and application function. By performing label loading at the stationary label load position and then quickly pivoting to the apply position, the system eliminates the conflict between loading speed and application precision, allowing each function to optimize its performance
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 system achieves higher output speeds in applying labels to adjacent sides of products compared to previous technologies, with labeling speeds of 20-25 products per minute, by utilizing pneumatic actuators and a controller to coordinate the movement and orientation of the label applicator.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum applicator is carried on the frame component for movement with the frame component
Data Source
AI summary
A labeling system includes a frame component pivotal between a label load position, a first label apply position and a second label apply position. A vacuum applicator is carried on the frame component for movement with the frame component. A first actuator is configured for pivoting the frame component between the label load position and the first label apply position. A second actuator is configured for pivoting the frame component from the label load position to the second label apply position. The second label apply position is located between the label load position and the first label apply position. The labeling system can be used to apply one label to the leading side of an item moving along a conveyance path, and to apply another label to the lateral side of the same item.