Reversible Press-On Device for Folded Product Labeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labelers for folded products require retooling and use expensive and unreliable compressed-air blowing units to apply labels to either leading or trailing edges, and cannot efficiently handle varying orientations of the open side in the conveying direction.
Innovation Solution
A labeler with a dispenser and a press-on device featuring two motor-driven press-on units that can move independently, allowing for continuous label application to the open side of folded products without retooling, and eliminating the need for compressed-air units, with one unit being reversible to handle labels at either leading or trailing edges and the other folding labels vertically for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a turning device is used to orient folded products before labeling, then labels can be applied to leading edges, but device complexity and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of turning the folded product to present the leading edge to the labeler, the invention inverts the approach by making the press-on unit reversible to handle both leading and trailing edges. The press-on unit can move in the conveying direction to label trailing edges or move opposite to the conveying direction to label leading edges, eliminating the need for product orientation changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The press-on unit is made dynamically reversible, capable of changing its movement direction relative to the conveying system. This dynamic adaptability allows the same labeling device to handle folded products regardless of whether the open side faces forward or backward in the conveying direction, eliminating the need for fixed orientation requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If compressed-air blowing units are used to apply labels, then label application is achieved, but operational reliability decreases and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the pneumatic blowing unit system with a mechanical press-on unit system. The press-on unit uses direct mechanical contact through press-on fingers to apply and secure labels, eliminating the reliability issues and high operating costs associated with compressed-air systems while maintaining effective label application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If retooling is performed to handle different orientations, then labeler can adapt to varying open side positions, but production downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The press-on unit is designed with universal functionality to handle both leading and trailing edges of folded products. By incorporating reversible movement capability, a single labeling configuration can accommodate folded products with the open side facing either forward or backward in the conveying direction, eliminating the need for retooling operations and associated production downtime.
4Device complexity
If a single press-on unit is used, then device complexity is reduced, but inability to handle both leading and trailing edges limits versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The single press-on unit incorporates dynamic reversibility, allowing it to change its movement direction relative to the conveying system. This enables one press-on unit to perform the function of multiple fixed units by moving in the conveying direction for trailing edge labeling and opposite to the conveying direction for leading edge labeling, maintaining versatility while reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a labeler comprising a label dispenser used for applying an adhesive label to a folded product and a press-on device following the label dispenser in the conveying direction of a conveyor system. The press-on device comprises two press-on units, wherein one of the press-on units is reversibly drivable by means of a motor.