Web Leading Portion Positioning for Clean Label Splicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labelling machines require manual intervention for precise positioning of the initial portion of the second web during splicing, which is crucial for a correct labelling operation, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
A web feeding system with an automatic positioning device that uses a transporting band with a covering element and adhesive layer, allowing the web leading portion to be automatically positioned in the splicing position, reducing the need for manual handling and ensuring precise splicing without exposing the adhesive layer until the splicing operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual intervention is used for positioning the initial portion of the second web during splicing, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the operation becomes time-consuming and requires human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The initial portion of the second web is pre-positioned on the pad before the splicing operation begins. The positioning device automatically advances this pre-positioned web leading portion to the splicing position, eliminating the need for manual intervention during the actual splicing process while maintaining precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device automatically positions the web leading portion without requiring manual handling. The system uses the adhesive layer and covering element mechanism to self-adjust and align the web at the correct position, reducing dependency on operator skill and time.
2Ease of operation
If the adhesive layer is exposed before splicing, then the web can be positioned, but the adhesive may become contaminated or lose effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer is prepared in advance with a covering element that protects it. The covering element is removed only at the moment of splicing, ensuring the adhesive remains protected and effective until needed, while still allowing for pre-positioning of the web on the pad.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering element acts as an intermediary protective layer between the adhesive and the environment. It allows the web to be positioned and handled without exposing the adhesive to contamination, and is removed only when the adhesive needs to function for bonding.
3Extent of automation
If automatic positioning is implemented, then human intervention is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device integrates multiple functions into a single mechanism: it holds the web leading portion on the pad, advances it to the splicing position, and coordinates with the covering element removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex subsystems while achieving automatic positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is merged with the existing splicing device and pad mechanism. The positioning device uses the same pad that already holds the web during splicing, combining positioning and splicing operations into a unified system rather than adding entirely separate positioning equipment.
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 and automated splicing operations with minimal human intervention, maintaining adhesive integrity and improving the quality and consistency of label application.
Implementation Method 1
a covering element 32 which covers the adhesive layer 30 and longitudinally protrudes from the web leading portion 4a
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a web feeding system (16) for feeding a web of labelling material having a web leading portion (4a) to a labelling module (7) comprising a splicing device (14); wherein the feeding system (16) comprises at least one transporting band (36) which is attached to the web leading portion (4a); wherein the transporting band (36) comprises an adhesive layer (30) and a covering element (32) which covers the adhesive layer (30) and longitudinally protrudes from the web leading portion (4a), with respect to the longitudinal direction (D1) of said web, the covering element (32) being attached to said leading portion (4a) by the interposition of said adhesive layer (30);the feeding system (16) comprising a positioning device (20) for automatically positioning the web leading portion (4a) of the web (4) in a splicing position with respect to the splicing device (14), by transporting the transporting band (36); wherein the positioning device (20) comprises a retaining group (40) and is configured for transporting said transporting band (36) by means of said retaining group (40) retaining said covering element (32).