Shrinkable Label Irradiation Using Intersecting Light Bundles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for attaching shrinkable labels on products often fail to achieve a uniform shrinking effect due to non-homogeneous temperature profiles, which can lead to inconsistent label attachment.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus comprises two sets of light emitters arranged opposite each other on both sides of a conveyor, emitting directed light bundles that intersect with the conveyor's central axis at different points, ensuring uniform irradiation of the label from all sides as the product is conveyed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light emitters are arranged to focus light on the product at the center of the apparatus, then the illumination uniformity is improved, but the temperature distribution across the label becomes non-homogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the labeling area into multiple zones, each illuminated by dedicated light emitters positioned at different locations. The first light emitter illuminates a first labeling area while the second light emitter illuminates a second labeling area, ensuring each zone receives appropriate light intensity for uniform temperature distribution across the entire label surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the label receive customized illumination characteristics. The first light emitter provides specific illumination parameters for the first labeling area, while the second light emitter provides different illumination parameters for the second labeling area, allowing each local region to achieve optimal temperature homogeneity suited to its position on the product.
2Device complexity
If a single light emitter is used to illuminate the label, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature profile across the label becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent light emitters, each responsible for illuminating a specific portion of the label. This segmentation allows each light emitter to create a localized temperature profile, and the combination of multiple such profiles results in an overall uniform temperature distribution across the entire label surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple light emitters are combined in a coordinated arrangement where the first light emitter and second light emitter work together to illuminate different areas of the label. The merging of their individual illumination effects produces a comprehensive and uniform temperature profile that would be unachievable with a single light emitter.
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 configuration allows for uniform light irradiation and temperature increase across the label's surface, resulting in a consistent and uniform shrinking effect without the need to rotate the product.
Implementation Method 1
UV light is used to generate heat inside of the label because the label material or ink or varnish included in the label material is able to absorb the UV light and convert the absorbed UV light into thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
the label material is heated up which causes the label to shrink and to form a close fit to the shape of the product
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for attaching a shrinkable label on a product placed on a conveyor, by irradiating light onto the shrinkable label, comprises two sets of light emitters which are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the conveyor along a defined length of the conveyor to form an irradiation volume through which the conveyor passes. The light emitters are configured to emit directed light bundles into the irradiation volume in different directions. In a plan view of the apparatus, the directions of the light bundles intersect with a longitudinal central axis of the conveyor. The intersection points of the directions of the light bundles emitted from the light emitters on a same side of the conveyor with the longitudinal central axis of the conveyor differ from each other.