Rotatable Holding Means for Cigarette Pack Label Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaging machines face challenges in accommodating different international requirements for the positioning and orientation of tax stamps on cigarette packs, necessitating flexible and adaptable solutions within limited space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A device with rotatable holding means and adjustable conveying mechanisms, including a lay-on roller with independent suction zones, allows for flexible positioning and orientation of print media on cigarette packs, enabling correct alignment and attachment regardless of pack orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the pack is rotated multiple times during transport to attach tax stamps to narrow side surfaces, then the correct alignment for further processing is ensured, but the device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The holding means is made rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the conveying surface, allowing dynamic adjustment of the print medium's orientation. This single rotational degree of freedom enables the system to adapt to different positioning requirements (narrow side vs. large page area) without requiring multiple fixed positioning stations or complex multi-axis rotation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable holding means serves multiple functions: it holds the print medium during transport, rotates it to the correct orientation, and positions it for attachment to different surfaces of the pack. This multi-functional design replaces what would otherwise require separate devices for holding, rotating, and positioning, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining alignment precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If the machine is converted to accommodate different international requirements for tax stamp positioning, then versatility is improved, but the modification effort and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable holding means provides dynamic reconfigurability, allowing the system to adapt to different international positioning requirements by simply rotating the print medium to the appropriate angle. This eliminates the need for physical reconfiguration or addition of separate positioning mechanisms for different markets
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the orientation parameter of the print medium through rotation of the holding means. By adjusting this single parameter (orientation angle), the system can accommodate different positioning requirements for various international markets without modifying the physical structure of the device
3Area of stationary object
If the space available in existing machines is limited, then the footprint is reduced, but the ability to implement flexible positioning solutions is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable holding means achieves positioning flexibility through rotation within a compact space. This dynamic approach requires minimal additional space compared to static multi-positioning-system alternatives, as the same component performs both holding and orientation functions through a single rotational degree of freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The holding means integrates multiple functions (holding, rotating, positioning) into a single compact component. This multi-functionality reduces the overall space requirement compared to having separate devices for each function, thereby maintaining positioning flexibility within limited machine footprint
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 adaptable attachment of print media to cigarette packs, accommodating various international positioning standards with minimal machine modifications and optimal use of available space.
Implementation Method 1
the print medium is held on the holding means by means of negative pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for transferring printed materials (11), in particular (tax) bands, coupons, labels, inserts, or the like, to a side surface of a cigarette pack (10), wherein the device comprises a conveying means for handling the printed materials (11), in particular a placement roller (34) on whose circumferential surface (42) the printed materials (11) are held for transfer to a side surface of a pack (10) facing the placement roller (34), preferably by means of a vacuum. The invention is characterized in that the conveying means comprises a holding means (43) for holding a printed material (11) on the conveying means, which is rotatably arranged on the conveying means in order to change the orientation of the printed material (11) relative to the conveying means while the printed material (11) is held by the holding means (43).