Auto-peel Label with Projecting Edge for Automated Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shipping labels are unreliable for use with automated print and apply stations due to inconsistent liner removal, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in label application.
Innovation Solution
A label system featuring adhesively coupled top and bottom plies with a central window and removable border portions, designed to facilitate consistent separation and application, utilizing a continuous substrate web with a top ply for direct-thermal printing and a bottom ply for thermal transfer printing, and incorporating a release coating and adhesive layer for secure attachment and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional shipping labels with removable liners are used, then the labels can be applied to packages, but the liner removal is inconsistent when fed through automated print and apply stations
Solution Approach 1:
The label is divided into multiple plies (top label ply, bottom label ply, and liner) that can be selectively separated. The bottom label ply is further segmented into a retained portion and a removable border portion, allowing controlled separation at specific locations while maintaining consistent automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable border portion is extracted from the bottom label ply, creating a distinct section that can be easily removed after the main label is applied. This extraction allows the automated system to process the main label consistently while the border portion serves as a separate removable element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If duplex printed labels with shipping and package contents indicia are used, then both information types are integrated, but the labels require complex automated print and apply stations
Solution Approach 1:
The label uses a multi-ply construction where different information types are printed on different plies (shipping indicia on top ply, package contents indicia on bottom ply). This dimensional separation allows both information types to be integrated in a single label while using simpler printing approaches on each individual ply.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple label plies with different information types are merged into a single integrated label assembly. The top label ply and bottom label ply are combined through adhesive coupling, creating a unified label that contains both shipping and package contents information while maintaining the ability to separate them if needed.
3Ease of operation
If the end edge of the interior ply edge is perpendicular to the removal direction, then the border portion can be easily removed, but straight segments may cause inconsistent separation in automated systems
Solution Approach 1:
The end edge of the interior ply edge is formed with a curved or rounded configuration instead of straight perpendicular segments. This curvature allows the border portion to be easily removed while providing more reliable and consistent separation behavior in automated processing systems by eliminating sharp corners that may cause inconsistent feeding or separation.
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 ensures reliable and efficient automated separation and application of labels, minimizing damage and waste, while maintaining tamper-evidence and visibility of critical information.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a release coating and adhesive layer for secure attachment and easy removal
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a release coating and adhesive layer for secure attachment and easy removal
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple-ply label roll includes end-to-end labels. Each label is operable to be adhesively applied to a substrate and includes top and bottom label plies. The bottom label ply includes an outer removable border portion defined between interior and outer ply edges and removable from the top label ply in a removal direction. The interior ply edge includes spaced apart side edges that extend along the removal direction to define a pair of spaced apart side sections of the removable portion. The interior ply edge includes a generally transverse end edge interconnecting the side edges to define an end section of the removable portion, with the end section extending between the side sections and being removed generally after the side sections when the removable portion is removed in the removal direction.