Robotic Label Placement for Variable-Height Containers and Pallets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labeling systems are unable to efficiently apply labels to containers and pallets of varying sizes and shapes without human intervention, as they are designed for uniform sizes and lack in-line functionality.
Innovation Solution
A label printing station equipped with a transporter, a label printer, a robot arm with rotatable joints and a suction pad or vacuum device, and sensors that measure the height of items and determine optimal labeling positions, allowing for automatic label placement on containers and pallets of different sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid-arm label applicator is used for uniform containers, then labeling precision is improved, but adaptability to varying sizes and shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid arms with a robotic arm featuring multiple rotatable joints that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation. This dynamic structure allows the label applicator to adapt to containers of various sizes and shapes while maintaining precise label placement through real-time positioning adjustments based on sensor feedback about container dimensions.
2Productivity
If automated labeling systems are designed for uniform containers, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to handle varied items
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect container dimensions and characteristics, then the processor autonomously calculates optimal labeling positions and controls the robotic arm without human intervention. This self-service capability allows the automated system to handle varied container types while maintaining high productivity, as the system adapts itself rather than requiring manual reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If in-line labeling capability is added to handle varying containers, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm with multiple rotatable joints serves multiple functions: it can reach containers of various sizes, position labels at different locations, and adapt to different container orientations. This universal design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple specialized labeling stations into a single multi-functional unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
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 the efficient and automated application of labels at multiple positions on containers and pallets of varying sizes, improving labeling accuracy and reducing human intervention, thereby enhancing operational efficiency in packaging and shipping processes.
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.