Adhesive Transfer Instrument for Precise Small Object Labeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual labeling of small objects, such as vial caps and electronic chip-boards, is time-consuming and challenging due to the need for precise dexterity and the tendency of labels to stick to gloves, making it difficult to apply and remove them accurately.
Innovation Solution
A kit and method utilizing an instrument with a transfer label that has a higher adhesion force to the instrument than to the target label, allowing for the easy transfer of small labels from a liner to an object, with the instrument's adhesive ensuring the label adheres strongly to the object while remaining attached to the instrument, facilitating efficient and precise labeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual labeling of small objects is performed directly by hand, then the operator can apply labels to objects, but the process is time-consuming and requires good dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an instrument with an adhesive end as an intermediary tool between the operator and the small labels. The instrument picks up labels from a liner and transfers them to objects, eliminating the need for direct manual manipulation of small labels and reducing dexterity requirements while improving labeling speed
2Reliability
If labels are applied manually with gloves on, then the operator can work in laboratory conditions, but the labels stick to the gloves and become difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument with its adhesive end serves as a mediator that transfers labels without direct contact between the gloved hand and the label. The label adheres to the instrument's adhesive surface rather than the glove, allowing easy removal from the instrument without sticking to the glove
3Productivity
If a transfer label with higher adhesion to the instrument than to the target label is used, then the label transfers easily from liner to object, but the adhesive must remain attached to the instrument
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the adhesion parameters of the transfer label by designing it with asymmetric adhesion properties: one surface has high adhesion to the instrument while the other has lower adhesion to the target label. This parameter change enables automatic label release during transfer while keeping the adhesive on the instrument for repeated use
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 significantly reduces the time and effort required for labeling small objects by ensuring the target label adheres strongly to the object while the transfer label remains attached to the instrument, allowing for repeated use without replacing the adhesive, thus enhancing labeling efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesion force A between a first surface of the facestock of the transfer label and the instrument being greater than an adhesion force B between a second surface of the transfer label and a target label
Data Source
AI summary
A kit for labelling an object with a target label comprises an instrument having an end(s) for manipulating labels. Transfer label(s) adhered to the end of the instrument, the transfer label having a facestock having adhesive on at least one of its surfaces, an adhesion force A between a first surface of the facestock of the transfer label and the instrument being greater than an adhesion force B between a second surface of the transfer label and a target label. The instrument and transfer label are used to manually transfer the target label from a target label liner to an object by releasable adherence of the target label to the second surface of the transfer label. A method for labelling an object is also provided.