Composite Container Label with Peel Strip for Easy Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional composite containers for refrigerated dough products often face difficulties in opening due to the fragmentation of the label when the adhesive bond between the label and body ply is affected by variables like humidity, making it hard to open and read the printing on the label.
Innovation Solution
A composite container design featuring a label with an integrated easy-open feature, where a helically extending line of weakness is aligned with the butt joint, and a removable peel strip is used to prevent the line of weakness from severing until the peel strip is peeled off, allowing internal pressure to open the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional label is used to hold the butt joint closed, then the container can be sealed, but the label may fragment when peeling due to adhesive bond variability from humidity and storage conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The label is segmented into two functional layers: an inner layer with a helical line of weakness aligned with the butt joint, and an outer layer with a removable peel strip. This segmentation allows the peel strip to be removed independently to initiate opening, while the inner layer maintains label integrity and provides the controlled weakness for clean separation at the butt joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The line of weakness acts as an intermediary element between the label and the butt joint. It provides a controlled failure path that allows the label to separate cleanly from the container body at the intended location without fragmenting, mediating the force transmission during the opening process.
2Reliability
If the label is made strongly adhered to ensure it stays on, then the label cannot be peeled off easily to initiate opening
Solution Approach 1:
The label exhibits different adhesive properties in different regions: the outer layer's peel strip has a adhesive bond strength designed for easy removal to initiate opening, while the inner layer maintains sufficient adhesion to the body ply to hold the butt joint closed during storage and transport. This local differentiation of adhesive strength resolves the contradiction between strong holding and easy opening.
3Ease of operation
If a narrow tear strip is added to initiate opening, then opening can be initiated, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase due to additional web-handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The opening initiation function is merged into the existing label structure by incorporating a removable peel strip as part of the outer layer of the label. This eliminates the need for a separate narrow tear strip component, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the ability to easily initiate opening by peeling the strip.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer layer of the label serves multiple functions: it protects the inner layer during storage, provides the removable peel strip for initiating opening, and can maintain branding or informational elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate opening initiation components, reducing overall device complexity.
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 easy and complete opening of the container while maintaining the integrity of the label for reading instructions, reducing manufacturing complexities and costs associated with additional tear strips.
Implementation Method 1
an outer label ply wound about and adhesively attached to the paperboard body ply holds the butt joint closed against the pressure of the expanded dough in the container
Implementation Method 2
the pressure of the expanded dough in the container then forces the butt joint open
Implementation Method 3
The peel strip is peelably adhered to the inner layer so as to prevent the line of weakness from severing until the peel strip is peeled off
Data Source
AI summary
A composite container for refrigerated dough products comprises a body ply helically wrapped about an axis to form a tubular body, opposite edges of the helically wrapped body ply being juxtaposed to form a butt joint therebetween. A label is helically wrapped about and adhered to the tubular body, the label comprising an inner layer adhered to the outer surface of the tubular body and an outer layer adhered to a radially outer surface of the inner layer. The inner layer defines a helically extending line of weakness positioned in alignment with the butt joint of the body ply. The outer layer comprises a removable peel strip that is peelable from the inner layer, the peel strip extending helically along the tubular body straddling the line of weakness and butt joint.