Additive Manufactured Vacuum Drum Segments for Labeling Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum drums for labeling machines are time-consuming and expensive to adapt to different label formats due to the need for multiple segments with varying distances between vacuum holders, which limits flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum drum with segments that can be rotated and feature vacuum holders arranged on a carrier plate, where at least one pair of vacuum holders is produced using an additive manufacturing process, allowing for adjustable positions and identical negative pressure across the drum, enabling easy adaptation to various label lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple segments with different distances between vacuum holders are used to adapt to different label formats, then the vacuum drum can handle various label lengths, but the adaptation becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum holder positions are made adjustable along the circumferential direction of the drum, allowing dynamic reconfiguration for different label lengths. The support plate includes multiple positioning locations for vacuum holders, enabling quick adaptation without time-consuming modifications or segment exchanges.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal segment design with adjustable vacuum holder positions replaces the need for multiple specialized segments. The support plate serves multiple functions by accommodating vacuum holders at various positions, eliminating the need to stockpile different segment types for different label formats.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple segments with different distances between vacuum holders are used to adapt to different label formats, then the vacuum drum can handle various label lengths, but the cost increases due to stockpiling various segments
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum holder positions are made adjustable along the circumferential direction of the drum, allowing dynamic reconfiguration for different label lengths. The support plate includes multiple positioning locations for vacuum holders, enabling quick adaptation without time-consuming modifications or segment exchanges.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal segment design with adjustable vacuum holder positions replaces the need for multiple specialized segments. The support plate serves multiple functions by accommodating vacuum holders at various positions, eliminating the need to stockpile different segment types for different label formats.
3Device complexity
If fixed distance between vacuum holders is used, then the structure is simple, but the vacuum drum cannot be adapted to different label lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum holder positions are made adjustable along the circumferential direction of the drum, allowing dynamic reconfiguration for different label lengths. The support plate includes multiple positioning locations for vacuum holders, enabling quick adaptation without time-consuming modifications or segment exchanges.
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
This design allows for quick and cost-effective adaptation to different label formats by using additive manufacturing to create adjustable vacuum holder positions and segments, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for multiple segments.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum holders are designed in the form of strips and are formed in a partial area oriented axially parallel or substantially parallel to the drum axis with a plurality of vacuum openings which are connected to the drum-side vacuum channels via bores or channels provided in the vacuum pad
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vacuum drum for a labeling unit. The essential aspect of the present invention consists in providing a vacuum drum for a labeling unit of a labeling machine, in particular for labeling containers or the like, comprising a plurality of segments which are rotatable in a direction of rotation about a drum axis (TA) of the vacuum drum and which each have at least one pair of vacuum holders (9.1, 9.2) which is arranged on a corresponding carrier plate (15) and which comprises at least two vacuum holders which are provided on a circumferential surface of the vacuum drum around the drum axis in a manner offset in relation to each other in the direction of rotation and which each have a vacuum holder housing (36.1, 36.2), wherein a front (relative to the direction of rotation) vacuum holder for holding a particular front label end of a corresponding label, and a rear (relative to the direction of rotation) vacuum holder for holding an associated rear label end are provided on the circumferential surface of the vacuum drum, and wherein the circumferential surface of the corresponding segment (17) of the vacuum drum between the particular front and rear vacuum holders is formed by a circular-arc-shaped segment surface portion (19). The vacuum drum according to the invention is particularly characterized in that at least the carrier plate and/or the particular vacuum holder housing of the pair of vacuum holders and/or the segment surface portion of at least one segment extending between the front and rear vacuum holders of this pair of vacuum holders are/is produced by means of an additive manufacturing method.