Robot Arm Labeling Reel Cores via Suction and Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for moving and labelling reels of web materials like paper or nonwovens are inefficient, as they require separate machinery for internal and external labelling, and do not allow for simultaneous handling and labelling of multiple reels effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a robot arm inserts into the central core of reels to move and label them, using suction and pressurized air to attach inner labels, and optionally applies external labels, allowing for simultaneous handling and labelling of multiple reels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate machinery is used for internal and external labelling of reels, then labelling completeness is improved, but device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines internal labelling and external labelling operations into a single integrated machine. The robot arm performs both functions by inserting into the reel core for internal labelling, then moving to the external surface for external labelling, eliminating the need for separate labelling machinery while ensuring both labels are applied
Solution Approach 2:
The robot arm is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations: picking up reels, inserting into reel cores, applying internal labels, moving to external surfaces, and applying external labels. This universal device replaces multiple specialized machines, reducing system complexity while maintaining complete labelling functionality
2Ease of operation
If sequential processing of multiple reels is used, then handling simplicity is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot arm operates continuously without idle transitions between reels. After completing labelling of one reel, the arm immediately picks up the next reel and begins the same sequence of operations (insert into core, apply internal label, move to external surface, apply external label). This continuous operation maximizes productivity while maintaining simple automated handling
Solution Approach 2:
The robot arm is pre-programmed with the complete sequence of labelling operations. Before each reel is processed, the arm has already positioned itself and prepared the labelling materials, allowing immediate commencement of the labelling sequence without setup time, thereby increasing throughput while keeping the operation straightforward
3Manufacturing precision
If robot arm inserts into central core for labelling, then labelling precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot arm approaches the reel from a radial dimension by inserting into the central core, rather than approaching from the external surface. This dimensional change allows precise label placement on the internal surface of the core, and the same arm then moves to the external surface for external labelling, achieving high precision without requiring multiple specialized devices
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 approach streamlines the labelling process by using a single industrial robot to both move and label reels, improving efficiency and enabling faster processing of reels, including stacking and preparation for further treatment.
Implementation Method 1
suction is applied from the robot arm against the second side of the inner label. In this way, the robot arm can hold the inner label by suction when the robot arm is inserted into the central core piece
Implementation Method 2
pressurized air or gas is used to blow the inner label away from the robot arm toward the central core piece such that the side of the inner label that is provided with an adhesive will come into contact with the central core piece
Implementation Method 3
The labels may advantageously be fixed by means of adhesive. In advantageous embodiments, an adhesive is applied to a first side of the inner label
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a system for moving and labelling reels (R1, R2, R3, R4, ...Rn) of a web material such as paper or nonwoven in which each reel has a central core piece (3) which is hollow and around which the web material is wound. A robot arm (6) is inserted into the central core piece (3) of at least one reel (R1) and is then used to move the (R1) from a first position (PI) to a second position (P2) and to fix an inner label (15) onto the central core piece (3). According to the invention, the inner label (15) is placed on the robot arm (6) before the robot arm (6) is inserted into the central core piece (3) and the robot arm (6) is used both to fix the inner label (15) to the central core piece (3) and to move the at least one reel (R1).