Short Feed Label Applicator for Cylindrical Articles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current label applicators for cylindrical objects, such as snuff cans and tuna cans, are inefficient due to 'long feed' configurations, which limit labeling speed and require frequent roll changes, restricting processing to about 300 articles per minute.
Innovation Solution
A label application system using a vacuum surface with a modular vacuum drum or flat pad that applies labels in a 'short feed' orientation, allowing for faster processing speeds by rotating the drum or pad in a stepwise fashion to accommodate long, narrow labels, enabling labeling of up to 450 articles per minute.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If long feed label configuration is used, then labels can be applied to cylindrical articles, but labeling speed is limited to about 300 articles per minute and frequent roll changes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional long feed configuration by using short feed labels where the label length is less than the article diameter. This allows multiple labels to be fed from a single roll without requiring the label length to exceed the article circumference, thereby increasing labeling speed to 450+ articles per minute and reducing roll change frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimensional relationship between label and article by using short feed labels that wrap around the article in a dimensionally efficient manner. Instead of requiring label length to be greater than article diameter (long feed), the short feed approach uses labels where length is less than diameter, allowing more labels per roll and faster processing.
2Quantity of substance
If long feed labels are used, then labels can be applied to articles, but fewer labels can be carried on each roll requiring frequent change out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using short feed labels instead of long feed labels. This allows significantly more labels to be carried on each roll since the label length is less than the article diameter rather than greater than it, thereby increasing labeling volume and reducing the frequency of roll changes.
3Productivity
If the vacuum surface rotates continuously, then labels can be applied at high speed, but label placement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by rotating the vacuum drum in discrete steps rather than continuously. The drum rotates to bring each label into position, applies the label, then rotates to the next position. This periodic motion maintains high processing speeds while ensuring precise label placement through controlled positioning at each step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic control of the vacuum drum rotation, adjusting the speed and positioning of the drum to match the conveyor belt speed and article passage timing. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain both high processing speed and precise label placement accuracy.
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 significantly increases labeling efficiency by allowing more labels per roll and reducing change-outs, achieving processing speeds at least 50% higher than prior art systems while maintaining label quality.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum surface for receiving and retaining a label to be applied to a cylindrical surface of an article thereon with its adhesive side up
Implementation Method 2
rotating the drum or pad in a stepwise fashion to accommodate long, narrow labels
Implementation Method 3
A belt is provided for rotating the articles as they enter the label application zone
Implementation Method 4
a conveyor for transporting articles to be labeled past the label applicator assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A label application system for applying labels to relatively short, round, straight-walled articles is constructed and designed so that labels to be applied to passing articles are delivered to the label application zone on a carrier web in a short feed orientation, with each label being oriented lengthwise across a width of the carrier web. At the time of labeling, the label is held stationary on a flat vacuum surface, and the label is applied by spinning the articles past the vacuum surface. As a result, the system is capable of labeling articles at processing speeds of at least 450 articles per minute or more.