Tag Applicator Device With Linear Motor Gripper for Packaging Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tag applicator devices in packaging lines lack adaptability and flexibility in format changes and variations in packaging pace, making them inefficient for applying informative tags onto pourable food products.
Innovation Solution
A tag applicator device with a transfer device featuring gripper members and a linear motor actuator, allowing for independent movement and control based on package succession information, enabling precise and flexible application of tags onto packages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional tag applicator device with fixed conveyor and feeder arrangement is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device lacks adaptability to format changes and variations in packaging pace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the transfer device movable relative to both the conveyor and feeder. The transfer device can independently adjust its position and timing to accommodate different package formats and packaging speeds, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying production requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tag application system into independent functional modules: the conveyor for transporting packages, the feeder for supplying tags, and the transfer device for bridging between them. This segmentation allows each module to operate independently and be adjusted separately, improving overall adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If a fixed transfer mechanism is used between conveyor and feeder, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision of tag application is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the transfer device's position and movement are controlled based on real-time information about package position and feeding pace. This feedback loop enables precise synchronization between tag supply and package movement, ensuring accurate tag application despite variations in packaging speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional rigid mechanical coupling between conveyor and feeder with a more sophisticated transfer device that uses controlled movement and positioning systems. This substitution allows for finer control over tag placement precision while managing complexity through intelligent control mechanisms
3Productivity
If the tag applicator device operates at high speed to improve productivity, then the packaging pace increases, but the wear and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device acts as an intermediary between the high-speed conveyor and the tag feeder, absorbing and distributing mechanical stresses. By serving as a buffer zone with controlled movement, it reduces the direct transmission of high-speed vibrations and shocks to both the conveyor and feeder systems, thereby reducing wear
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer device is designed to preemptively absorb mechanical impacts and variations in motion before they reach critical components. The controlled movement mechanism provides cushioning effects that protect against sudden stops, starts, and position adjustments, reducing cumulative wear during high-speed operation
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
The device ensures accurate and adaptable tag application, accommodating format changes and variations in packaging pace, thereby improving efficiency and reducing wear and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a linear motor actuator, allowing for independent movement and control based on package succession information
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4A~5
AI summary
There is described a tag applicator device (1) comprising a transfer device (13; 13') configured to sequentially receive tags (2) from a feeder (5) at a receiving station (R), to transfer the tags (2) to a conveyor (4) at an application station (A), and to apply the tags (2) onto the packages (3) at the application station (A); the transfer device (13; 13') includes at least one gripper member (14) for retaining at least one tag (2) at a time, the gripper member (14) being cyclically movable between the receiving station (R), at which it receives a tag (2), and the application station (A), at which it releases the tag (2) onto one respective package (3); the applicator device (1) is configured so that the cyclical movement of the gripper member (14) between the receiving station (R) and the application station (A) is synchronized with the advancement of the packages (3) along the conveying path (L) .