Profiled Bar Labelling Applicator Head with Elastic Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machinery for machining profiled bars struggles with applying labels uniformly and efficiently, often damaging the labels and limiting application to only one side face due to complex structures and non-uniform pressure from suction cups.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a labelling unit with a suction applicator head having direct suction openings and an elastic support, allowing for uniform pressure and rotation to apply labels on multiple faces, including the side and upper faces, while using pressurized fluid to aid adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If suction cups are used to pick up and transport labels, then labels can be applied on profiled bars, but non-uniform pressure is applied on the label which may damage the label
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful suction cups from the label transport system and replaces them with a direct suction opening system. The applicator head has a flat surface with direct suction openings that contact the label directly, eliminating the intermediary suction cups that caused non-uniform pressure and label damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an elastic element as an intermediary between the applicator head and the label. This elastic element distributes the suction force uniformly across the label surface, preventing localized pressure points that would damage the label while maintaining effective label adhesion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gripping member is made rotatable to apply labels on different faces, then label application versatility is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator head is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple operations: it can apply labels on side faces and upper faces by rotation, and the same structure handles both label pickup and application. This consolidates multiple functions into a single component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator head is made rotatable relative to the support, allowing dynamic repositioning between different operating positions (side face application and upper face application). This dynamic capability enables the single applicator head to serve multiple labeling positions without requiring separate fixed structures for each position.
3Manufacturing precision
If the labelling unit is moved in the advancement direction to follow profiled bars, then label application accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the profiled bar's own movement through the machining unit as the driving force for label application. The bar advances through the machining unit, and the applicator head remains stationary or moves minimally, allowing the bar's passage to provide the necessary positioning and application timing without requiring complex active following mechanisms.
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 ensures high-quality label application without damage, enabling labels to be applied on all relevant faces of profiled bars with improved efficiency and reduced complexity in the apparatus design.
Implementation Method 1
the applicator having at least one suction opening which opens onto the working surface and is connectable to a source of suction for keeping the label in contact with the working surface
Implementation Method 2
between the support and the applicator at least one elastic element is interposed which is deformable when the applicator is pressed against the profiled bar for applying the label
Implementation Method 3
using pressurized fluid to aid adhesion
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus comprises a machining unit (2) for machining a profiled bar (B), a feed conveyor (4) for advancing the profiled bar (B) towards the machining unit (2) in a first direction (X), a labelling unit (7) for applying a label on the profiled bar (B). The labelling unit (7) comprises an applicator head (15) for bringing the label into contact with the profiled bar. The applicator head (15) comprises an applicator (22) delimited by a working surface (23). The applicator (22) has at least one suction opening (25) opening onto the working surface (23) and connectable to a source of suction for keeping the label in contact with the working surface (23) whilst the label is conveyed towards the profiled bar (B). The labelling unit (7) further comprises a support (32) for supporting the applicator (22). At least one elastic element (31) is interposed between the support (32) and the applicator (22), the elastic element (31) being deformable when the applicator (22) is pressed against the profiled bar (B) to apply the label. The applicator (22) may comprise blowing means which can be selectively activated for sending on the label a pressurised fluid which helps the label to detach from the working surface (23) and to adhere to the profiled bar (B).