Robotic Label Removal for Continuous Web Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inspection slitter rewinder machines require offline manual processes to remove defective labels, leading to large work-in-progress inventory, increased risk of handling damage, machine shutdowns, and time-consuming splicing issues.

Innovation Solution

A machine with an integrated inspection system and robotic label removal capability that automatically identifies and removes defective labels from a web, maintaining continuous operation and eliminating the need for manual splicing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual inspection and removal processes are used, then defect detection capability is achieved, but machine shutdowns and loss of productivity occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect detection capabilityVSAvoidmachine shutdowns

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection and removal processes with an automated optical inspection system using cameras and machine vision technology to detect defects, and a robotic system with precision positioning to remove defective labels. This substitution eliminates machine shutdowns while maintaining continuous web processing, resolving the contradiction between defect detection capability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If offline manual removal process is used, then defective labels are removed, but large work-in-progress inventory is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefective label removalVSAvoidwork-in-progress inventory

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary defect detection through the optical inspection system that identifies defective labels before they become part of the finished product. The robotic system then removes these defects inline during web processing, eliminating the need to accumulate large inventories for later manual inspection and removal, thus reducing work-in-progress inventory while maintaining reliable defect removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If manual splicing process is used, then web continuity is restored, but time-consuming operations and handling damage risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweb continuityVSAvoidsplicing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual splicing process with an automated robotic system that precisely positions and removes defective labels while maintaining continuous web movement. The robotic system uses computer-controlled positioning and automated web handling to restore web continuity without manual intervention, eliminating time-consuming splicing operations and reducing the risk of handling damage while preserving web stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If continuous web processing is maintained, then productivity is improved, but defect removal capability is reduced without specialized systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous web processingVSAvoiddefect removal capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single automated system that combines optical inspection, defect identification, and robotic label removal capabilities. This multi-functional system maintains continuous web processing for high productivity while simultaneously providing reliable defect removal through coordinated optical and mechanical subsystems, resolving the contradiction between productivity and defect removal capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250326516A1Machines, systems, and methods for identifying and removinglabels from a web

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 EMTRO LLC DBA EMT INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A machine for removing a defective label from a first web with a good-quality label thereon includes a roller configured to convey the first web and a robot configured to remove the defective label from the first web.