Replaceable Elastic Surface Element for Labeling Machine Pallets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labeling machine palettes require the entire composite part to be replaced when the elastic surface layer wears out, leading to high maintenance costs and effort.
Innovation Solution
A palette design with a fixed carrier body and an interchangeable elastic surface element, which can be easily attached and removed without tools, allowing for wear replacement without replacing the entire palette.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elastic surface layer is bonded to the rigid support material, then the label application function is improved, but the maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet is divided into two separable components: a rigid support body and an elastic surface element. The elastic surface element can be detached and replaced independently without replacing the entire pallet, enabling cost-effective maintenance while preserving the label application function.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic surface element is designed as a replaceable wear component that can be discarded when worn out, while the expensive rigid support body is retained and reused. This allows recovery of the valuable support structure while replacing only the consumable surface element.
2Strength
If the elastic material is glued or vulcanized to the support material, then the bonding strength is improved, but the replacement difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the elastic surface element and rigid support body is designed as a mechanical interface with protrusions and recesses, allowing the components to be separated into distinct replaceable parts while maintaining functional integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting devices are designed to provide strong mechanical interlocking during normal operation, while allowing easy separation when needed for replacement, transitioning from a static permanent bond to a dynamic reversible connection.
3Reliability
If the entire composite part is replaced when the elastic layer wears out, then the reliability is maintained, but the loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet system is segmented into a durable rigid support body and a consumable elastic surface element. Only the worn elastic layer is replaced, while the support body continues to be reused, significantly reducing material waste compared to replacing the entire composite part.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic surface element is discarded when worn, while the rigid support body is recovered and reused for subsequent elastic elements. This selective replacement minimizes material loss while maintaining pallet functionality.
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
Significantly reduces maintenance effort and costs by enabling easy replacement of the elastic surface element, extending the life of the palette and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic surface element serves to apply the labels more gently to the container surfaces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a pallet (1) for a labeling machine (10) with a fixed carrier body (2) on whose contact surface (12) an elastic surface element (3) can be attached, wherein the pallet (1) is designed such that the elastic surface element (3) is replaceable, and wherein the carrier body (2) has a first connecting device (4) with a first surface contour, and the surface element (3) has a second connecting device (5) with a second surface contour, wherein the surface contours are designed such that, when pressed together, they engage with each other, thereby attaching the surface element (3) to the carrier body, and wherein channels (9) extend through projections (6) of the first connecting device (4).