Robotic Label Application for Variable-Size Containers and Pallets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labeling systems are unable to efficiently apply labels to containers and pallets of varying sizes and shapes without human intervention, limiting their adaptability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A label printing station equipped with a transporter, a label printer, and a robotic arm with rotatable joints and a suction pad, which can move along the container or pallet to apply labels at multiple automatically determined positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid-arm label applicator is used in a predetermined position, then labeling uniform-sized containers is efficient, but the system cannot adapt to containers and pallets of varying sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the fixed rigid-arm applicator with a robotic arm that has multiple degrees of freedom and can dynamically adjust its position and orientation. The robotic arm can move to different locations and adapt its posture to accommodate containers and pallets of varying sizes and shapes, transforming a static labeling system into a dynamic one that responds to different labeling requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm serves multiple functions: it can label different types of containers (varying sizes and shapes), label pallets with containers, and adjust to various labeling positions. This multi-functionality allows a single system to handle diverse labeling tasks that would otherwise require multiple specialized devices, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If a stationary label printer is used, then the labeling process is simple, but it cannot efficiently label items of variable size passing through the station
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines a stationary label printer with a dynamic robotic arm. The printer remains fixed while the robotic arm dynamically positions itself to pick up labels from the printer and apply them to items of variable size at appropriate locations. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to maintain high productivity while adapting to different item dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm acts as an intermediary between the stationary label printer and the variable-size items. It receives labels from the fixed printer position and delivers them to the appropriate locations on different items, mediating the interaction between the static printing mechanism and the diverse labeling targets, thereby enabling efficient labeling of variable-size items.
3Extent of automation
If manual intervention is used for labeling, then flexibility is high, but automation and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where the robotic arm autonomously performs the complete labeling process. Sensors detect the position and characteristics of containers and pallets, the processor determines optimal labeling locations, and the robotic arm automatically picks up labels and applies them without human intervention. This self-service capability achieves high automation while maintaining adaptability through sensor-based detection and automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor the position, size, and orientation of containers and pallets. This real-time feedback information is processed to dynamically adjust the robotic arm's movements and labeling positions, enabling the automated system to adapt to varying container configurations while maintaining high automation levels.
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
Enables efficient and automated labeling of containers and pallets of varying sizes and shapes, improving labeling accuracy and reducing the need for human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a suction pad or vacuum device... receiving the adhesive label on a suction pad or vacuum device attached to a movable end of a robot arm
Data Source
AI summary
A system moves items, like containers and/or pallets, through a label printing station. The station has a label printer that prints adhesive labels; and a robot arm terminating at a movable end with a suction pad or vacuum device and sensors. The station has sensors configured to measure a height of the item; and a processor coupled to receive the height of the item, to control the robot arm and label printer, and to receive label information from a server. The processor has a memory containing code that computes desired label positions based on height of the container/pallet. A method of labeling an item includes printing an adhesive label with the label information obtained from a server; receiving the adhesive label on a suction pad or vacuum device attached to a movable end of a robot arm, and determining a first labeling position from measured height of the container/pallet.