Tag Positioning System Using Synchronized Conveyors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for positioning informative tags on packaging bags are not precise due to manual cutting and stacking, leading to irregularities and imprecise alignment, which complicates the sewing process.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising conveyors with a dispensing device that orients tags vertically and positions them precisely on the bag using synchronized conveyors and guide means, ensuring accurate placement and avoiding creasing or crumpling, with cutting and printing capabilities integrated into the dispensing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If tags are cut manually and stacked one on another, then the process is simple and flexible, but the positioning precision and alignment of tags on bags deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by cutting tags to precise dimensions and orienting them vertically in a controlled manner before they reach the bag. The cutting device trims tags to exact sizes and the conveying system maintains vertical orientation, ensuring tags are perfectly prepared before application, thereby achieving high positioning precision while maintaining process simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If tags are stacked one on another, then storage and handling are simplified, but tag alignment and positioning accuracy on bags worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying system acts as an intermediary between tag storage and bag application. It receives tags in a stacked state for easy handling, then progressively orients them vertically through guided conveyance paths, maintaining alignment without requiring manual intervention. This intermediary system preserves handling simplicity while achieving precise alignment.
3Device complexity
If a cylinder performs a run perpendicular to bag advancement to position tags, then the mechanism is simple, but positioning precision and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the simple perpendicular cylinder mechanism with a synchronized conveying system that uses continuous linear motion aligned with bag advancement. This substitution maintains mechanical simplicity while achieving superior positioning precision through synchronized movement and vertical tag orientation throughout the conveyance process.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
The system (1) for positioning a tag (C) on a bag (S) open at an end (B) thereof and movement along an advancement direction (D) comprises a first conveyor (2) and a second conveyor (3) which: are wound on pulleys (20, 30) having a vertical axis; they each comprise an active branch (21, 31), a curved portion (22, 32) and a connecting portion; they are flanked so that the active branch of the first conveyor (2) and the active branch (31) of the second conveyor (3) receive and retain between them an edge (B) of the bag (S); they are actuated with an advancement velocity in order to convey the bag (S) towards a sewing station; a supply group of tags (C) comprising: a dispensing device (40) which dispenses a tag (C); a third conveyor (41) wound on vertical-axis pulleys (400), and actuated with a supply velocity equal to the advancement velocity; the third conveyor (41) comprises an active branch (410) including a first portion (411) which at least partially faces a tag (C), and a second portion (412) which faces and is in contact with the curved portion of the first conveyor (2), such that a gripping zone (P) is defined; a roller (42) actuable for pressing the tag (C) against the first portion of the active branch of the third conveyor (41), determining a drawing of the tag (C) into the gripping zone (P); the third conveyor is predisposed so that the tag (C) in the gripping zone (P) is drawn so as to be received and retained between the active branch (21) of the first conveyor (2) and the active branch (31) of the second conveyor (3); synchronising means for detecting the position of the bag (S) and actuating the supply group (4) as that the tag (C) is arranged on the bag (S) in a predetermined position.