Switchable Labeler Merging Direct and Shrink Labeling Functions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing labelers require separate installations for affixing labels directly to container side surfaces and attaching cylindrical shrink labels, leading to increased space and cost requirements.

Innovation Solution

A labeler that can switch between a first condition for affixing labels directly to a container and a second condition for attaching cylindrical shrink labels, utilizing a rotatable support table, a mandrel, label supply means, and a picker with switching mechanisms to adapt to both configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate labelers are installed for affixing labels directly to container side surfaces and attaching cylindrical shrink labels, then both functions can be performed, but installation space and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabeling function versatilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate labeling functions (direct side-surface label affixing and cylindrical shrink label attachment) into a single integrated labeler device. The labeler includes a support table for positioning containers, a mandrel for forming shrink labels, label supply means for providing both types of labels, and a picker with switching means that can adapt to perform either function using the same core components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The labeler is designed as a universal device capable of performing multiple labeling functions. The picker assembly with switching means can be repositioned to match either the first labeler condition (for direct side-surface labeling) or the second labeler condition (for shrink label attachment), allowing one device to replace two separate specialized labelers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate labelers are installed for affixing labels directly to container side surfaces and attaching cylindrical shrink labels, then both functions can be performed, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabeling function versatilityVSAvoidequipment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate labeling functions (direct side-surface label affixing and cylindrical shrink label attachment) into a single integrated labeler device. The labeler includes a support table for positioning containers, a mandrel for forming shrink labels, label supply means for providing both types of labels, and a picker with switching means that can adapt to perform either function using the same core components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The labeler is designed as a universal device capable of performing multiple labeling functions. The picker assembly with switching means can be repositioned to match either the first labeler condition (for direct side-surface labeling) or the second labeler condition (for shrink label attachment), allowing one device to replace two separate specialized labelers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a picker is provided to attach shrink labels, then shrink label attachment is enabled, but the picker may interfere with direct label affixing operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabeling function versatilityVSAvoidpicker position control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The picker assembly is designed with dynamic positioning capability through switching means that allow it to be repositioned between different operational conditions. In the first labeler condition (direct side-surface labeling), the picker is positioned to retract from or not interfere with the label affixing operation. In the second labeler condition (shrink label attachment), the picker is positioned to receive and attach the shrink label from the mandrel. This dynamic repositioning enables the same picker to serve both functions without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2554484B1labeler

Publication Date: 2018.08.22 SHIBUYA MASHINARII

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AI summary

The labeler 2 includes a support table 16 which places a container 1 thereon, a cylindrical mandrel 17 which forms a shrink label on an outer surface thereof, label supply means 6 which supplies a label or a shrink label, a picker 20 which sticks fast and holds a shrink label on an inner surface thereof, and switching means 43 which switches the position of the picker to match a first labeler condition or a second labeler condition. In the first labeler condition, the label supply means affixes a label to a container placed on the support table, and in the second labeler condition, the label supply means supplies a shrink label to an outer surface of the mandrel, and the picker receives, with an inner surface thereof, the shrink label formed on the outer surface of the mandrel and attaches the shrink label to the container. A labeler which can serve as both a roll labeler and a shrink labeler is provided.