Rotary Arm Hang Tab Applicator for Automated Gift Bag Labeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing bag forming equipment is unable to automatically place hang tabs on gift bags, requiring manual labor which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An automated hang tab placement system is integrated into the bag forming process, using a hang tab applicator with a rotary arm and placement head to attach adhesive-backed hang tabs to gift bags as they travel on a conveyor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual labor is used to place hang tabs on gift bags, then placement accuracy can be maintained, but labor cost increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hang tab applicator is integrated with the bag forming equipment, combining the hang tab placement function with the existing bag forming process. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual operations while maintaining placement accuracy through the coordinated interaction between the applicator and bag former.
Solution Approach 2:
A rotary arm mechanism serves as an intermediary between the hang tab supply and the bag surface. The rotary arm with its placement head provides controlled movement and positioning, enabling automated placement without requiring complex direct manipulation mechanisms.
2Extent of automation
If automated hang tab placement is implemented, then labor cost decreases and productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hang tab applicator is designed to work with the existing bag forming equipment, making the combined system multi-functional. The applicator can accommodate different hang tab types and bag configurations, reducing the need for specialized complex mechanisms for each variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary arm mechanism provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the placement head to move to different locations on the bag as needed. This dynamic system replaces static complex mechanisms with a simpler, movable solution that adapts to different placement requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If hang tabs are placed manually after bag formation, then placement precision can be ensured, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hang tab applicator is positioned and configured in advance within the bag forming equipment, with the hang tabs ready for immediate application. This preliminary preparation eliminates the time loss associated with manual retrieval and positioning of hang tabs during production.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration of the hang tab applicator with the continuous bag forming process enables uninterrupted hang tab placement. As bags move through the former, hang tabs are applied continuously without breaking the production flow, maintaining both precision and speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for automatically placing hang tabs on gift bags and other items. A hang tab applicator includes a rotary arm with a placement head. The rotary arm rotates between a first position, at which a hang tab is fed onto the placement head, and a second position, at which the placement head places the hang tab on an item during transport on a conveyor. A control system controls operation of the hang tab applicator so that rotation of the rotary arm is timed to cause accurate placement of the hang tab on the item. The hang tab may be placed on a gift bag at an offset position in which (i) an adhesive portion of the tab is attached to the bag and (ii) a hang hole portion of the hang tab extends away from the gift bag enabling it to be hung on a display hook.