Universal Labeling System for Vials and Syringes

Solution Overview

Problem

Current labeling systems require separate machines for different container types, such as vials and syringes, due to incompatible conveying structures, leading to increased costs and facility footprint.

Innovation Solution

A versatile labeling system with a rotational drive and labeling station, featuring multiple infeed and outfeed paths and changeover parts, allowing for quick configuration to accommodate both vial and syringe formats without the need for multiple machines, using a housing assembly with guarding enclosures and a wrap-belt labeling station.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate labeling machines are used for different container types, then each container type can be labeled with dedicated conveying structures, but the facility footprint and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabeling accuracy for specific container typeVSAvoidfacility footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The labeling machine is designed with a universal conveying system that can accommodate multiple container types (vials and syringes) through interchangeable conveying components. The starwheel assembly can be configured with different container-specific fixtures and support structures, allowing a single machine to perform labeling functions for various container geometries and orientations without requiring separate dedicated machines for each container type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The conveying system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that can dynamically adapt to different container types. The starwheel speed, positioning, and container support structures can be modified depending on whether vials or syringes are being processed, enabling the system to optimize its conveying characteristics for each container type while maintaining a compact single-machine footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If separate labeling machines are used for different container types, then each machine can be optimized for its specific container type, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabeling accuracy for specific container typeVSAvoidnumber of machines required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The labeling machine is designed with a universal conveying system that can accommodate multiple container types (vials and syringes) through interchangeable conveying components. The starwheel assembly can be configured with different container-specific fixtures and support structures, allowing a single machine to perform labeling functions for various container geometries and orientations without requiring separate dedicated machines for each container type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The conveying system is divided into modular, interchangeable components that can be selectively assembled based on the container type being processed. Different starwheel configurations, container support fixtures, and positioning mechanisms can be swapped out as needed, allowing the system to maintain optimized performance for specific container types while avoiding the need for multiple complete machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If container-specific conveying structures are used, then conveying accuracy for each container type is improved, but the system becomes incompatible with other container types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveying accuracy for specific container typeVSAvoidcompatibility with different container types

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that can dynamically adapt to different container types. The starwheel speed, positioning, and container support structures can be modified depending on whether vials or syringes are being processed, enabling the system to optimize its conveying characteristics for each container type while maintaining a compact single-machine footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11554890B2Labeling system adapted for labeling syringes or vials

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 NJM PACKAGING INC

AI summary

A labeling system includes a drive for moving a trunnion part along a labeling path and a labeling station positioned peripherally of the labeling path. A housing assembly around the rotational drive and the labeling station forms a guarding enclosure for an interior space of the housing assembly. Multiple container infeed paths are provided for different container types, and multiple container outfeed types are provided for the different container types. Sets of changeover parts are used to configure the system for a given container type. The housing assembly may include guarding assemblies associated with the infeed and outfeed paths.