Adhesive Cover Label for Permanent Barcode Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for preventing unauthorized resale of packaging, such as using transparent labels that change color with laser light, are complicated to handle and do not securely prevent resale when the label is removed.
Innovation Solution
A label with a machine-readable identification code, such as an EAN-barcode, is covered by a non-transparent adhesive cover label that irreversibly damages the code, making it unreadable even if the cover label is removed, thus preventing resale.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transparent label that changes color with laser light is used to prevent resale, then the refund prevention function is improved, but the device complexity increases and handling becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable cover label that is applied once to permanently damage the identification code. The cover label serves its purpose of preventing resale by obscuring the code, and then is discarded. This eliminates the need for complex reusable systems with laser treatment mechanisms, achieving refund prevention through a simple, single-use adhesive label.
2Reliability
If a transparent label that changes color with laser light is used, then the refund prevention function is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated handling
Solution Approach 1:
The cover label is a simple adhesive sticker that can be applied by hand without requiring laser equipment or special handling procedures. The process involves peeling the label from its backing and sticking it onto the packaging, which is far simpler than operating laser treatment devices, thereby significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining refund prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the refund prevention function from the original transparent label system. Instead of modifying the transparent label to change color, the solution extracts the prevention mechanism into a separate cover label that is applied on top. This simplifies the overall system by removing the need for laser treatment and color-changing materials, making handling much easier.
3Ease of operation
If the cover label is removed carefully, then the label can be reused, but the identification code may remain readable allowing unauthorized resale
Solution Approach 1:
The cover label is designed to permanently damage the identification code at the moment of application. The adhesive backing contains damaging agents that immediately alter or destroy the printed code when the label is stuck onto the packaging. This preliminary damage action ensures that even if the cover label is later removed, the identification code remains unreadable, preventing any possibility of unauthorized resale.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of the adhesive (which could damage the code) into a beneficial security feature. The adhesive's damaging action, which might seem like a defect preventing label removal, is actually the core mechanism that ensures resale prevention. The harm to the identification code becomes the benefit of permanent deactivation, making the system more secure rather than less functional.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate test samples are produced, then testing can be done, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes regular sellable packaging multi-functional by adding a cover label that can serve both as a resale prevention measure and as a test sample indicator. When the cover label is applied, it deactivates the identification code for resale purposes but simultaneously marks the product as a test sample. This eliminates the need for separate test sample production lines, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining testing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the resale prevention function and the test sample identification function into a single cover label application process. The same label that prevents unauthorized resale also serves to identify the product as a test sample. This consolidation combines multiple functions into one simple action, reducing manufacturing steps and eliminating the need for separate test sample production.
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
The solution effectively reduces the risk of unauthorized resale by ensuring the identification code remains machine-unreadable, allowing ready-for-sale products to be converted into test samples without producing separate test samples, and ensures all test samples are used for testing purposes, providing a broader database for product improvement.
Implementation Method 1
the cover label comprises an adhesive layer in direct contact to the identification code, wherein the adhesive layer is provided for irreversibly damaging the identification code
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
It is provided a label (12) for attaching on a packaging (10), particularly for cosmetical and/or pharmaceutical products, comprising a packaging label (18) with a machine-readable identification code (22), particularly an EAN-barcode, and a cover label (16) covering at least partially the identification code (22) for rendering the identification code (22) machine- unreadable, wherein the cover label (16) is adapted for irreversibly damaging the identification code (22). Due to the cover label (16) the identification code (22) is machine- unreadable, so that a scanner cash register would not accept a packaging (10) provided with this label (12) and a resale is prevented. Since the identification code (22) would be irreversibly damaged by the cover label (16), the identification code (22) stays machine- unreadable even when the cover label (16) is removed. The risk for an unauthorized resale of a packaging (10) can be reduced in a facilitated manner.