Transverse Transport Device for Label Applicator Throughput
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicator apparatus for applying wrapping labels to packaging have limited throughput due to the time-consuming printing process of longer wrapping labels, which restricts the efficiency of label application.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a transverse transport device that allows labels to be transported horizontally from a vertical dispenser to an application position, decoupling label dispensing and application, enabling simultaneous or overlapping dispensing and transfer processes, and using dual label dispensers and vertical transport devices to increase throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If labels are dispensed vertically downwardly from a label printer into an application position, then the structure is simple, but the throughput is limited due to the time-consuming printing process
Solution Approach 1:
The label application system is divided into separate functional modules: a label printer for dispensing labels, a transverse transport device for moving labels horizontally, and an application position for label application. This segmentation allows each module to operate independently and simultaneously, with the label printer preparing labels while the transverse transport device moves previous labels to the application position, thereby increasing throughput without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transverse transport device that moves labels in a horizontal direction (transverse dimension) from the label printer to the application position, rather than relying solely on vertical dispensing. This adds a dimensional aspect to label transport, enabling parallel operations where labels can be prepared vertically while being transported horizontally, thus increasing productivity
2Quantity of substance
If the printing process takes a comparatively long time due to larger label length, then more product information can be displayed, but the throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The label printer begins printing and dispensing labels in advance while the transverse transport device simultaneously moves previously printed labels to the application position. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare the next label during the time it takes to transport and apply the current label, effectively overlapping operations and maintaining high throughput despite longer printing times required for larger labels with more product information
3Productivity
If labels are applied one at a time in sequence, then the application process is simple, but the throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse transport device operates continuously to move labels from the printer to the application position, ensuring that the label application process never stops waiting for the next label. This continuous transport mechanism maintains a steady flow of labels, eliminating idle time and maximizing the productivity of the label application system
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an applicator device for applying wrapping labels (13) to packagings (15), having a transverse transport device (19) which is configured for transporting a label, which is first of all dispensed by a label dispenser, in particular a label printer (11), in the vertical direction into an intermediate position, from the intermediate position transversely with respect to the vertical into an application position, in which the label can be received by a packaging which is running through.