Circulating Shrink Sleeve Labeling Station with Segmented Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labeling devices face challenges in reliably positioning shrink sleeves at a predetermined labeling height on containers before they are shrunk on, especially for partial labels that do not extend to the base of the container, requiring excessive technical effort and space-consuming heating units that impede mechanical components.
Innovation Solution
A device with circulating shrinking stations featuring spreading units, positioning units, and heating units that selectively shrink the upper partial area of shrink sleeves to create a frictional connection with containers at a predetermined labeling height, allowing for targeted attachment and easy removal, while avoiding unnecessary friction with expansion segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heating units are provided in the periphery of the labeling device for shrinking shrink sleeves, then shrink sleeves can be shrunk onto containers, but the heating units impede the freedom of movement of other mechanical components and consume excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is segmented from the peripheral stationary units and integrated into the circulating labeling stations themselves. Each labeling station carries its own heating unit that moves with the station, dividing the heating function across multiple mobile units rather than requiring one large peripheral heating system.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating units are positioned in the radial direction between the spreading units and the container, utilizing the radial dimension of the circulating labeling station rather than occupying peripheral space. This allows heating to occur in the available space within the labeling station structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If shrink sleeves are positioned at a predetermined labeling height before shrinking, then accurate label positioning is achieved, but excessive technical effort is required especially for partial labels
Solution Approach 1:
The shrink sleeve is preliminarily positioned at the predetermined labeling height on the container before the shrinking process begins. The circulating labeling station carries the container with the pre-positioned shrink sleeve through the heating zone, where the predetermined area is shrunk to fix the position. This preliminary positioning is achieved through the design of the spreading units and the controlled insertion of the container.
Solution Approach 2:
Only the predetermined area of the shrink sleeve corresponding to the desired label height is shrunk, rather than shrinking the entire shrink sleeve. This localized shrinking is achieved by positioning the heating units to affect only the specific radial zone where the label should be positioned, creating different thermal treatment zones.
3Reliability
If frictional connection is created between shrink sleeves and containers, then reliable attachment is achieved, but friction with expansion segments must be avoided for easy removal
Solution Approach 1:
The shrink sleeve is subjected to localized shrinking only in the predetermined area where the label should be positioned. This creates a local frictional connection between the shrunk portion and the container, while the remaining portions of the shrink sleeve maintain their elastic properties and can be easily removed from the expansion segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of shrinking the entire shrink sleeve, only a partial predetermined area is shrunk to create the necessary frictional connection for attachment. This partial action is sufficient to achieve reliable positioning and attachment while leaving the rest of the shrink sleeve unshrunk and easily removable.
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
Ensures reliable and efficient attachment of shrink sleeves at a specific height, enabling their removal with containers for further processing, reducing technical effort and space requirements, and allowing for flexible system control and quick format changes.
Implementation Method 1
heating units (7) for shrinking an upper partial area (2a, 2b) of the shrink sleeves (2) received by the spreading units (6) selectively onto the containers (3) positioned in the shrink sleeves (2), in particular in the transfer position (15)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The device (1) has a circumferential shrinkage station (5), on which a spreading unit (6), a positioning unit (14) and heating units (7a,7b) are provided. The spreading unit receives and spread the shrinkage shell (2). The positioning unit is provided for positioning the container in the spread shrinkage shell. A sub area of the shrinkage shell received by the spreading unit is shrunk to form a frictional contact with the container positioned in the shrinkage shell. : An independent claim is included for a method for applying shrinkage shell to containers. USE : Device for attaching shrinkage shell to containers. ADVANTAGE : The device has a circumferential shrinkage station, on which a spreading unit, a positioning unit and a heating unit are provided, where the spreading unit receives and spread the shrinkage shell, and the positioning unit is provided for positioning the container in the spread shrinkage shell, and hence ensures flexible and reliable attaching of shrinkage shell without additional retaining elements and a strong adhesive effect is created between the container and the shrinkage shell. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS : The drawing shows a schematic top view of a shrinkage shell attaching device. 1 : Device 2 : Shrinkage shell 5 : Shrinkage station 6 : Spreading unit 7a,7b : Heating units 14 : Positioning unit.