Rotary Rotor Label Applicator with Integrated Air Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label application devices for machine tools lack versatility, efficiency, ease of use, and flexibility, particularly in handling labels of different shapes and sizes, and often require external energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with a rotatable gripping element and a rotor that uses air flow to pick up and retain labels, with a system for cleaning the workpiece and positioning flexibility, utilizing the machine tool's energy sources, and an alternative embodiment using a compressed air system with a Venturi meter for efficient label application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vacuum system is used to hold and apply labels, then label retention is improved, but device complexity and external energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor itself generates the vacuum effect through its rotation, eliminating the need for an external vacuum system. The rotor's rotation creates a pressure difference that automatically holds the label in place during transport and application, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles where the rotating rotor creates a dynamic vacuum field through air flow management. The rotor design incorporates channels and surfaces that manipulate air pressure to generate holding force, applying pneumatic concepts without requiring a separate vacuum pump system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If external compressed air systems are used for cleaning workpieces, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and external energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor generates its own air flow for cleaning purposes through its rotation. The same rotating element that creates the vacuum for label holding also produces the air stream needed to clean the workpiece surface, eliminating the need for external compressed air systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it creates the vacuum field for label retention, generates the air flow for workpiece cleaning, and drives the label application mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate systems needed.
3Device complexity
If fixed label application devices are used, then device simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different label shapes and sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces fixed structures with dynamic, rotating components. The rotor can be easily reconfigured or replaced to accommodate different label dimensions and shapes, allowing the same basic mechanism to adapt to various labeling requirements without complex adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for changes in operational parameters such as rotor speed, air flow rate, and positioning to optimize label application for different sizes and shapes. By adjusting these parameters rather than changing the entire device structure, versatility is achieved with minimal complexity increase.
4Reliability
If multiple external energy sources are used, then functional capability is improved, but ease of operation and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor serves as a universal energy conversion device that performs multiple functions: generating vacuum for label holding, creating air flow for cleaning, and driving the application mechanism. By consolidating these functions into a single rotating component driven by one motor, the system reduces the number of external energy sources needed.
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, reliable, and flexible application of labels of various shapes and sizes, utilizing the machine tool's energy sources, ensuring high precision and ease of use while maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
said rotor is configured in such a way that, when it is rotated, it draws air from said first passage, allowing the picking up and retaining of a label at said opening
Implementation Method 2
and expels air from said at least one expelling member towards said panel or said other workpiece allowing, in use, the cleaning of said panel or said piece which is to receive said label
Implementation Method 3
In said main body there may be formed a second passage communicating with said opening for placing, in use, said opening in communication with a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in said opening
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Described is a device for applying labels (3) on panels or other workpieces configured for being mounted in an operating head (2) of a machine tool (1), equipped with a rotatable gripping element. The device for applying labels (3) comprises: a movable body (6') comprising coupling means (6) for the coupling, in use, to said rotatable gripping element and a rotor (5); a main body (4) in which is formed a cavity in which is housed said rotor (5), said cavity being in communication with at least one expelling member (14a, 14b, 14c) for expelling air and, through a first passage (9), with an opening (11) open towards the exterior of said main body (4); and a first pressure reducing element (16) connected to said main body (4) and in communication with said first passage (9) at a zone between said rotor (5) and said opening (11). Moreover, said rotor (5) is configured in such a way that, when it is rotated, it draws air from said first passage (9), allowing the picking up and retaining of a label at said opening (11), and expels air from said at least one expelling member (14a, 14b, 14c) allowing, in use, the cleaning of a panel or another piece which is to receive said label.