Rotary Container Labeling With Linear-Motor Pressure Stroke Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labeling methods and machines struggle with adjusting pressure stroke and timing to different container formats, leading to inefficiencies and increased time and personnel costs during format adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A method and machine using electromagnetic linear motors to individually control the extension and retraction of stamps on a rotary table, allowing flexible and format-dependent pressure strokes, monitored by power consumption and pressure sensors, enabling precise and reproducible labeling on containers with varying diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical cam control is used to extend stamps against container walls, then labels can be pressed onto containers, but the stroke movement cannot be adjusted to different container formats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cam control system with electromagnetic linear motors to actuate the stamps. This substitution enables programmable control of stroke movement and timing through software rather than mechanical constraints, allowing easy adaptation to different container formats without physical reconfiguration. The electromagnetic actuators can be individually controlled via a control unit that stores format-specific parameters, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If replacement of control cam is performed for format adjustments, then different container formats can be accommodated, but significant time and personnel costs are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the electromagnetic linear motors and control unit can be reprogrammed in real-time to accommodate different container formats. Instead of static mechanical cams that require physical replacement, the system dynamically adjusts stroke length, timing, and actuation sequences through software parameters. This allows rapid format changes without downtime for mechanical reconfiguration, eliminating the time and personnel costs associated with cam replacement while maintaining full adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If only pressure pads on stamps are replaced, then limited adjustments are possible, but pressure stroke timing and force cannot be adjusted to container diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables comprehensive parameter changes through the electromagnetic linear motors and control unit. Each motor can be independently programmed with format-specific parameters including stroke length, actuation timing, and force characteristics. The control unit stores multiple format profiles that can be selected and applied instantly, allowing adjustment of all pressure parameters (timing, force, duration) to match different container diameters and geometries. This provides full adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through simple software selection rather than physical component replacement.
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 precise, reproducible, and flexible labeling of containers with varying formats, reducing the need for manual adjustments and minimizing label distortion, while accommodating diameter tolerances and allowing for complex contour applications.
Implementation Method 1
the stamps are individually extended and retracted by electromagnetic linear motors via a programmed control system
Implementation Method 2
pressure sensors on the pistons, and the pressure strokes can be controlled and/or adjusted accordingly
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for labelling containers and a labelling machine are described. According thereto, containers (4) standing on turntables (3) are transported continuously in rotation on a container table (2) and positioned in terms of their rotary position. Furthermore, labels (8) are attached laterally to the containers (4) and are pressed onto the containers (4) towards the outside with respect to the container table (2) by the extension of rams (7) that rotate with the turntables (3). Since the rams (7) are extended/retracted individually by electromagnetic linear motors (6) by means of a programmed controller, different container formats and label materials can be processed with high machine efficiency and high quality, avoiding time-consuming re-fitting work.