Position-Variable Control Console for Labeling Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for beverage bottling operations, such as carousels, face challenges in safely and efficiently adjusting equipment units, particularly in labeling processes, due to the need for manual input and height adjustments from a distance, leading to safety and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A position-variable control console that can be moved alongside the equipment units, equipped with position detectors to enable or block functions based on its location, ensuring that operations are performed within the operator's field of vision, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control console is positioned at a distance from the equipment units, then the operator can access the control interface conveniently, but the operator cannot observe the unit being adjusted, leading to safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The control console is made movable along the peripheral direction of the machine, allowing it to dynamically change position between being close to equipment units for observation and at a distance for convenient operation. This resolves the contradiction by making the console position adaptive rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
Position detectors serve as intermediaries between the control console and the controller, automatically detecting the console's position and enabling or blocking functions accordingly. This allows the system to maintain safety constraints while preserving operator convenience.
2Reliability
If the control console is moved close to equipment units for observation, then operator visibility is improved, but the operator must manually move the console, increasing adjustment complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control console is equipped with position detectors that automatically detect its own position relative to equipment units. This self-positioning capability eliminates the need for manual positioning by the operator, reducing complexity while maintaining visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The position detectors provide feedback signals to the controller about the console's location, enabling automatic enabling or blocking of functions based on position. This automated feedback loop simplifies the interaction between operator, console, and equipment units.
3Productivity
If functions are enabled for all equipment units regardless of position, then operational efficiency is high, but safety risks increase when adjusting units outside operator's field of vision
Solution Approach 1:
The controller enables or blocks specific functions based on the local position of the control console relative to each equipment unit. Functions are only enabled when the console is in the appropriate local area, ensuring safety while allowing efficient operation when conditions are met.
Solution Approach 2:
Position detectors act as intermediaries that automatically monitor console position and communicate with the controller to enable or block functions. This automated position-based control eliminates the need for manual safety checks while maintaining operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method, in particular for labeling containers, in particular bottles, having a corresponding conveyor device, several equipment units, in particular labeling units, and a controller as well as a control console for controlling certain unit functions. To ensure reliable operation of the device, the control console is arranged to be variable in position and at least one position detector is provided, whereby the controller enables or blocks certain functions in a safety-oriented manner as a function of the position of the control console.