Rotating Label Applicator Arm With Continuous Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label applicators face challenges in handling diverse labeling scenarios, including asymmetry, jamming, and the need for multiple versions to apply labels to different sides of objects, while also requiring compressed air systems that are prone to wear and increased moving mass.
Innovation Solution
A label applicator system with a stationary fan in the main body, a rotating tubular arm, and a flexible joint, allowing 360° rotation with uninterrupted airflow, reducing moving mass and eliminating the need for bendable wiring, and featuring a lightweight yet strong design to accommodate various labeling orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fan is located close to the label on the applicator pad, then the suction effectiveness is improved, but the moving mass increases and electrical wiring must be routed through the rotation point
Solution Approach 1:
The fan is extracted from the moving applicator pad assembly and relocated to the stationary main body of the machine. This separation eliminates the need for the fan to be mounted on the rotating arm, thereby reducing the moving mass while maintaining suction effectiveness through the air channel that extends from the stationary fan through the rotating arm to the applicator pad.
2Reliability
If the fan is located close to the label on the applicator pad, then the suction effectiveness is improved, but electrical wiring must be routed through the rotation point exposing the fan to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The fan is extracted from the moving applicator pad assembly and relocated to the stationary main body of the machine. This separation removes the fan from the environment subject to wear from label application contact, while the air channel maintains the necessary airflow path to the applicator pad.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the applicator arm rotates 360°, then the ability to apply labels to multiple sides is improved, but the air flow may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The air channel is segmented into distinct sections: a stationary portion in the main body housing the fan, a rotating portion that moves with the arm, and a connection portion at the applicator pad. This segmentation allows the arm to rotate 360° while maintaining continuous air flow from the stationary fan through the rotating arm to the applicator pad, as each section can move or remain stationary as appropriate.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple versions of the applicator are designed for different sides, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator arm is designed with universal multi-functionality, capable of applying labels to multiple sides of objects through 360° rotation. The joint mechanism enables the arm to adapt to different labeling orientations and object configurations without requiring multiple specialized versions, thereby reducing device complexity and production costs while maintaining high 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
The system efficiently applies labels to multiple sides of objects with reduced wear, simplified versions, and lower production costs, while maintaining reliability and flexibility for uneven surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
both types of label applicators usually employ vacuum (generated by compressed air) or suction (generated by fans) to hold the label on the label pad during application
Data Source
AI summary
The specification relates to a labelling machine configured to apply a label on an object. The labelling machine comprising: an arm mechanism; a label pad attached to a first end of said arm mechanism; an actuator connected to a first end of said arm mechanism to provide rotational movement; a control system configured to control the movement and position of said arm mechanism and the label pad; and an air flow generator. The labelling machine further comprises a drive shaft connected to said actuator and configured to be rotated about the drive shaft's longitudinal axis; a second end of the arm mechanism is connected to said drive shaft, such that the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft and the arm mechanism are perpendicular to one another; and an air flow channel extends from the air flow generator via the drive shaft, through the arm mechanism to the label pad.