Removable Labelling Device with Autonomous Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular labelling machines require frequent and labor-intensive adjustments for levelling due to uneven industrial floors, limiting productivity and increasing costs, especially when devices need to be moved or repositioned relative to a carrousel, and are restricted in versatility when partly supported by the machine frame.
Innovation Solution
A labelling machine with a removable labelling device featuring autonomous height-adjustable supporting means that allow levelling only once per configuration change and enable easy repositioning without altering initial adjustments, including second supporting means that can fully support the device off the floor, facilitating movement and reconfiguration without re-adjusting the first supporting elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If height-adjustable supporting means are used to compensate for uneven floors, then the labelling device can be levelled, but the levelling operation becomes time-consuming and requires skilled personnel each time the device is moved
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting means are adjusted in advance when the labelling device is first installed or positioned, and then locked to maintain a fixed height. This preliminary adjustment eliminates the need for repeated levelling operations when the device is moved between positions, as the fixed height setting preserves the levelling across multiple repositioning events
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting means transition from a static fixed-height design to a dynamic system that can be adjusted once during installation and then maintains that setting. The locking mechanism enables the supporting means to adapt during initial setup while providing stability during subsequent operations, resolving the contradiction between ease of initial adjustment and time consumption during repeated movements
2Stability of the object's composition
If the labelling device is partly supported by the machine frame, then the device is stable, but the device cannot be completely removed from the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure is divided into two independent segments: supporting means that contact the floor and provide height adjustment, and coupling means that connect to the machine frame. This segmentation allows the labelling device to be completely removed from the machine while maintaining stability through the floor-based supporting means, and enables complete removability when needed
3Adaptability or versatility
If the labelling device is completely removable from the machine, then the machine versatility is improved, but the device cannot maintain a fixed position relative to the carrousel
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting means act as an intermediary between the floor and the labelling device, providing a stable reference frame that is independent of the machine. By anchoring to the floor rather than the machine, the supporting means enable the device to be completely removed and repositioned while maintaining precise, repeatable positioning through the floor-based reference, rather than relying on machine-mounted references
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
A labelling machine comprises a main supporting frame (3), a carrousel (4) rotatably mounted on the frame (3) and at least one labelling device (2) able to move at least between a non-operating position in which it is distanced from the carrousel (4) and uncoupled from it, and at least one operating position in which it is removably associated with the periphery of the carrousel (4) for, in practice, allowing the labelling device (2) to label the objects supported by the sustaining means as they pass the labelling device. The labelling device (2) comprises a lower body (10), labelling means (11 ) mounted on the lower body (10), first, height-adjustable supporting means (12) designed to autonomously support the device (2) when it is associated with the carrousel (4), and second supporting means (23) designed to autonomously support the device (2) when it is not associated with the carrousel (4). The second supporting means (23) can be switched between a first configuration in which they allow the labelling device (2) to be supported solely by the first supporting means (12) and a second configuration in which they completely and autonomously support the labelling device (2) irrespective of the height adjustment of the first supporting means (12).