Suction Device for Automatic Adhesive Label Removal from Bobbins

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in automatically removing adhesive labels from bobbins used in aerosol generating article manufacturing, where the materials are sticky and fragile, requiring a method that can handle them gently to prevent damage during unwinding, while also increasing production efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a sucking force to detach the adhesive label from the bobbin, followed by cutting the detached end portion, allowing for automatic label removal without mechanical gripping, which includes a rotatable hub, position sensor, suction device, and blade to cut the end portion containing the label.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesive labels are removed manually from bobbins, then the material can be handled gently, but the production speed decreases and labor intensity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial integrityVSAvoidproduction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical removal with an automated system using a suction device that applies negative pressure to detach the adhesive label. This substitution maintains gentle handling while enabling automated high-speed operation, resolving the contradiction between careful manual removal and production efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a suction device operating on pneumatic principles to remove adhesive labels. The pneumatic system applies controlled negative pressure to detach labels without mechanical contact, preserving material integrity while enabling automated rapid removal, thus resolving the contradiction between gentle handling and production speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If mechanical gripping devices are used to remove labels, then the removal speed increases, but the fragile material may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel removal speedVSAvoidmaterial damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical gripping devices with a pneumatic suction system that removes labels through negative pressure without direct mechanical contact. This eliminates the risk of mechanical damage to fragile materials while maintaining automated rapid removal capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The suction device acts as an intermediary between the automated system and the adhesive label, using pneumatic pressure as a non-contact force to detach labels. This intermediary approach enables fast automated removal without the harmful mechanical contact that would damage fragile materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automatic label removal systems are implemented, then production efficiency increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the label removal function into a separate, dedicated suction device module. This modular extraction simplifies the overall system design while enabling automated operation, as the suction device can be independently controlled and replaced without affecting other parts of the production line

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The suction device is designed to automatically detect and remove labels without requiring complex positioning systems or manual intervention. The self-service capability of the pneumatic system simplifies automation by using the natural adhesive properties of the labels to enable automatic attachment and removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables efficient and gentle removal of adhesive labels, reducing the risk of material damage and increasing production line efficiency by automating the process, ensuring accurate label reading and bobbin handling.

Implementation Method 1

applying a sucking force to the location of the adhesive label so as to detach the adhesive label and the end portion of the coiled sheet from the bobbin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3601121B1Method to remove an adhesive label from a bobbin and apparatus to detach an adhesive label from an end portion of a coiled sheet in a bobbin

Publication Date: 2023.03.01 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method to remove an adhesive label (22) from a bobbin (28), the bobbin including an end portion (24) and an outer surface (25), the method including: providing a bobbin of a coiled sheet closed by an adhesive label positioned on top of the end portion of the coiled sheet (26) to attach the same to the outer surface of the bobbin; locating the adhesive label; applying a sucking force to the location of the adhesive label so as to detach the adhesive label and the end portion of the coiled sheet from the bobbin; and cutting a part of the detached end portion including the adhesive label from the bobbin. The present invention also relates to an apparatus to detach an adhesive label from an end portion of a coiled sheet in a bobbin, the adhesive label being located between the end portion and an outer surface of the bobbin.