Tangential Roller Labeling Device for Wrinkle-Free Bottle Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying self-adhesive labels on bottle necks often result in imperfect sticking due to wrinkles and require bulky, expensive machinery, especially when using pusher elements with rollers that struggle to match tangential speeds.
Innovation Solution
A device with a tangentially moving application portion, synchronized with the bottle's rotation, uses a roller that rotates idly to ensure perfect adhesion by matching peripheral speeds and employing a coordinating control unit to adjust speeds and positions for optimal label placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a pusher element with a roller is used to apply self-adhesive labels, then the label application process is simplified, but the tangential speed mismatch between the roller and bottle causes wrinkles and imperfect sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The roller is transformed from a stationary pusher to a dynamically rotating element that matches the bottle's tangential speed. The roller rotates about its own axis during the labeling process, allowing its surface speed to synchronize with the bottle's movement, thereby eliminating speed mismatch and preventing wrinkles while maintaining application simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational speed parameter of the roller is adjusted to match the tangential speed of the bottle at the point of contact. By changing the roller's rotational velocity from zero (stationary) to a specific value that equals the bottle's surface speed, the system achieves perfect speed synchronization, ensuring smooth label application without deformation.
2Reliability
If fixed contact surfaces are used to adhere label ends, then the label sticking is completed, but the mechanical structure becomes bulky and increases machine dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The function of fixed contact surfaces for adhering label ends is extracted and integrated into the rotating roller itself. The roller continuously contacts the bottle throughout its rotation, inherently pressing and adhering the entire label including ends, eliminating the need for separate fixed contact surface components and reducing machine bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into the single rotating roller: label pressing, speed synchronization, and end adhesion. The roller simultaneously performs all labeling operations during one continuous rotation, combining what were previously separate operations (pushing, adhering central part, and fixing ends) into one integrated motion, thereby reducing mechanical complexity and machine size.
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 solution ensures perfect label sticking without wrinkles and reduces the overall size and complexity of the machinery, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
The roller presses the label at a central part of the label... The pusher element pushes in a direction transversal to the wall of the bottle and compensates for the speed difference only thanks to rotation of the roller about its own axis of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) for applying self-adhesive labels (101) on the walls of containers, in particular bottles (2). The device (1) being operatively connectable to an operating machine of the type with a rotary carrousel (100) on which, in practice, the containers are positioned. The device (1) comprises at least one operating head (10) which can operate on a container positioned on the carrousel (100) in such a way that it is synchronised with the movement of the carrousel (100). The operating head (10) comprises an application portion (16) which, in practice, directly interacts with the walls of a container. The application portion (16) can move along an arc (B) of a circle (C) which is at a tangent at least to a wall of a container positioned on the carrousel (100) and at the operating head (10). This invention also relates to a method for applying self-adhesive labels (101) on the walls of containers.