Separation Gripper With Variable-Speed Retaining Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labeling machines face challenges in synchronizing label transfer units, requiring frequent changes of gripper cylinders when label lengths change, which complicates the synchronization of pallet rotors, feeder units, and bottle carousels, making it difficult to maintain efficient labeling with varying container configurations.
Innovation Solution
A device with offset retaining elements on the gripper cylinder, controlled by mechanical means to adjust relative speed and accommodate different label lengths, allowing for consistent label transfer without changing the gripper cylinder settings, and enabling processing of short labels and reducing pitch delay to prevent tearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gripper cylinder division is synchronized with the pallet control and bottle carousel, then the labeling process maintains stable operation, but changing label lengths requires replacing the entire gripper cylinder unit, increasing device complexity and reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper cylinder unit is segmented into modular components: the main gripper cylinder body remains fixed for stable synchronization, while the retaining elements (gripper fingers) are made changeable and replaceable. This segmentation allows the system to maintain stable operation with the fixed cylinder while adapting to different label lengths by swapping only the retaining elements, rather than replacing the entire unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic adjustability through variable-speed drives for the pallet rotor and bottle carousel, controlled by a central control unit. This allows the synchronization parameters to be dynamically adjusted for different label lengths and container configurations, enabling the same gripper cylinder to adapt to various labeling scenarios without physical replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gripper cylinder settings are adjusted for each label length, then adaptability to different labels is improved, but the complexity of synchronization control between pallet rotor, gripper cylinder, and bottle carousel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper cylinder is designed as a universal unit that can handle multiple label lengths and container types through a fixed configuration. The retaining elements are designed to be interchangeable, and the synchronization system uses a central control unit that can adapt parameters for different configurations, making the same hardware suitable for various labeling tasks without requiring complex reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and a central control unit that monitor the labeling process and automatically adjust the speed and timing of the pallet rotor and bottle carousel to match the gripper cylinder operation. This feedback mechanism simplifies control by automating the synchronization adjustments, eliminating the need for manual complex coordination when changing label configurations.
3Device complexity
If conventional gripper cylinders are used with fixed retaining element positions, then the structure remains simple, but processing short labels becomes difficult and pitch delay causes tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining elements are equipped with variable-speed drives that allow their rotational speed to be adjusted independently. This dynamic speed adjustment enables the retaining elements to optimize their motion for short labels by reducing pitch delay and preventing tearing, while maintaining the simple overall gripper structure. The elements can accelerate and decelerate as needed during the labeling cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the retaining elements, specifically their rotational speed and timing, to optimize performance for different label lengths. For short labels, the parameters are adjusted to minimize pitch delay and prevent tearing, while the physical structure of the gripper remains simple and unchanged.
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
This solution decouples the gripper cylinder division from pallet control, allowing for flexible handling of different label lengths and configurations, reducing maintenance and operational complexity, and enabling efficient labeling across various container sizes and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
a cam which has a control curve for controlling the relative speed between two retaining elements in the circumferential direction with respect to the gripper cylinder
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Device (11) for transferring labels (E, E') in a labeling machine with at least two holding elements (15) for holding labels, wherein the holding elements are arranged circumferentially offset about a gripper cylinder axis (4) of a gripper cylinder (11), wherein the device comprises mechanical control means configured to change the relative speed between the holding elements in the circumferential direction of the gripper cylinder.