Vacuum Conveyor Labeling Device for Container Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container labeling technologies require extensive setup and fittings for different types and sizes of labels, leading to high material costs and time-consuming changes, which increases downtime and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a label magazine, vacuum transport device with a conveyor belt, recognition device for determining label position, and a gluing device that applies glue based on the detected position, allowing for precise alignment and application of labels without needing to change setup or fittings, using a transfer device to detach and apply labels to containers efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a label strip with cutter and gluing device is used, then material costs are low, but setup and assembly parts are costly and require frequent changing
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum conveyor belt serves multiple functions: it conveys labels, positions them precisely, and facilitates their transfer to containers. This single multi-functional component replaces the need for multiple specialized setup and assembly parts, allowing the system to handle different label types without frequent part changes while maintaining low material costs
2Manufacturing precision
If setup and assembly parts are changed for different label types, then labeling accuracy is maintained, but time-consuming changes increase downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic, adjustable vacuum conveyor belt that can be reconfigured through software control rather than physical part changes. The recognition device dynamically detects label positions and the gluing device adjusts accordingly, maintaining labeling accuracy while eliminating downtime associated with mechanical setup part changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (vacuum pressure, conveyor speed, gluing position) rather than physical components when switching between label types. The recognition device detects label characteristics and the control system adjusts parameters in real-time, maintaining precision without the time-consuming process of changing assembly parts
3Measurement precision
If labels are conveyed by vacuum cylinder with position detection, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vacuum conveying function with the position detection and control functions into an integrated system. The vacuum conveyor belt serves both as the conveying medium and as part of the positioning mechanism, while the recognition device and control system are merged into a unified control architecture, reducing overall device complexity despite maintaining high measurement precision
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
Enables efficient labeling of various container types and sizes without setup changes, reducing material costs and downtime by allowing continuous operation with minimal adjustments, and ensuring precise label placement and application.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum transport device with a vacuum conveyor belt (105, 106) is provided
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
Device for labeling a container, comprising a label magazine, a vacuum transport device with a vacuum conveyor belt, a detection device and an application device, wherein the label magazine is configured to transfer a label to the vacuum conveyor belt, wherein the detection device is arranged along the vacuum conveyor belt downstream of the label magazine and is configured to determine the position of the label on the vacuum conveyor belt, wherein the application device is arranged along the vacuum conveyor belt downstream of the detection device and is configured to apply adhesive to the label based on the position determined by the detection device, and wherein a transfer device is provided downstream of the application device to release the label from the vacuum conveyor belt and apply it to the container.