Variable-Spacing Conveyor for Labelling and Filling Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling machines require dedicated labelling machines for specific container spacings, making it economically unfeasible to manufacture working units with both functions for various types of filling machines, as each type necessitates a unique labelling machine configuration.
Innovation Solution
A working unit comprising a labelling machine with a rotating carousel and a variable-spacing star conveyor that adjusts container spacing to match different filling machine configurations, allowing a single labelling machine type to be used across a range of filling machine spacings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated labelling machine is installed for each type of filling machine with specific spacing, then the labelling precision and compatibility are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The labelling machine is designed with a universal carriage that can be adjusted to accommodate multiple spacing values. The carriage can be positioned at different locations along the conveyor path, allowing a single labelling machine to serve multiple filling machine types with different container spacings, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated labelling machines for each filling machine type.
Solution Approach 2:
The labelling machine incorporates a movable carriage that can be dynamically repositioned along the conveyor to match different spacing requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to various container spacings without requiring multiple fixed dedicated machines, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated labelling machines are manufactured for different filling machine types, then the adaptability to various container spacings is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal labelling machine with an adjustable carriage that can accommodate multiple spacing values, the manufacturing cost is reduced significantly. Instead of producing multiple dedicated labelling machines for different filling machine types, a single universal design can serve all spacing requirements within the supported range, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability.
3Productivity
If containers are arranged at minimum mutual distance on the carousel, then the productivity and space utilization are improved, but the spacing becomes too small for standard labelling machines
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable carriage on the labelling machine allows it to adapt to the reduced spacing between containers while maintaining labelling effectiveness. The carriage can be repositioned to match the tighter spacing arrangement, enabling standard labelling machines to work with high-productivity carousel configurations that minimize container distance.
Data Source
AI summary
A working unit comprising a container labelling machine (2) and a machine (4) for filling such containers, the working unit comprising a variable-spacing element (9), which is interposed between the machines in order to convey the containers that exit from the first machine encountered in the production line to the inlet of the second machine, changing the spacing of the containers according to the operational conditions.