Tubular Shrink Sleeve Ejection Control for Splice Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tubular shrink sleeve application devices face inefficiencies in handling spliced tubular film rolls, leading to the application of defective labels on products, which are then manually removed, resulting in waste and labor-intensive processes.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a film feed path and sensors to detect splices in the tubular film, controlling the sleeve ejection to prevent defective sleeves with splices from being applied to products by ejecting them into gaps between products, thus avoiding manual removal and waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If spliced tubular film rolls are used to continue production, then productivity is maintained, but defective labels are applied to products requiring manual removal
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor detects splices in the tubular film before they reach the application point, allowing the system to preemptively eject the defective sleeve into a gap between products. This preliminary detection and action prevents defective labels from being applied to products while maintaining continuous production.
2Reliability
If defective labeled products are manually removed from the assembly line, then product quality is maintained, but labor costs and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects splices and ejects defective sleeves into gaps between products without human intervention. The machine performs the quality control function itself, eliminating the need for manual removal of defective labeled products and reducing both labor costs and processing time.
3Loss of substance
If defective labeled products are manually removed, then waste is reduced, but labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic detection and ejection system eliminates the need for manual intervention in removing defective products. The machine autonomously identifies spliced film sections and directs defective sleeves into gaps between products, reducing both waste and operational complexity simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for applying tubular film to products includes a film feed path along which a supply of continuous tubular film is fed, and a sleeve eject station at which the film tubing is cut into sleeves that are ejected onto products passing the sleeve eject station. At least one sensor is positioned along the film feed path upstream of the sleeve eject station for detecting a splice in tubular film traveling along the film feed path. A controller is configured for controlling the machine such that, upon detection of a splice in the tubular film, a defective sleeve that includes the splice thereon is ejected into a gap between successive products so as to prevent application of the defective sleeve to any product.