Reusable Container Label Cutting for Clog-Free Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing labels from reusable plastic containers are inefficient, often leaving labels attached or clogging washing machines, and lack reliability, safety, and economic viability.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with cutting devices and gas jets is used to partially cut labels from containers, facilitating their detachment during washing, utilizing high-temperature washing liquids to ensure complete removal without mechanical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If labels are removed by washing containers in washing machines with hot water and detergent, then the washing liquid can penetrate between labels and container surfaces to facilitate separation, but the labels often remain attached or are not fully detached due to difficulty of penetration and extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-cutting labels at their adhesive strips before the washing process. The cutting device makes incisions through the adhesive strips that attach the label to the container, creating initial separation points. This preliminary cutting action enables the washing liquid to more easily penetrate and complete the label removal process, transforming a difficult single-step problem into a two-step process where the first step (cutting) facilitates the second step (washing removal).
2Reliability
If detached labels are removed from containers during washing, then complete label removal is achieved, but the detached labels fill up the washing machine, clogging it and compromising its correct operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing labels from containers in a separate dedicated apparatus before the containers enter the washing machine. The cutting device extracts labels by cutting through the adhesive strips, and the labels are removed from the washing process entirely. This prevents detached labels from accumulating in the washing machine, eliminating the clogging problem while maintaining complete label removal effectiveness.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional washing methods are used to remove labels, then the process is simple and conceptually valid, but it often fails to achieve complete label detachment and compromises washing machine operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate processes (label removal and container washing) into a single integrated system. The cutting device is positioned within or adjacent to the washing machine, allowing labels to be cut and removed in the same operational sequence. This combination maintains operational simplicity for the user while achieving reliable label removal through the added cutting function.
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 apparatus effectively removes labels from containers, preventing machine clogging and ensuring reliability and safety while being economically viable.
Implementation Method 1
introduction means (7) for introducing a gas under pressure between the outer lateral surface (3a) of the container (3) and the face of the corresponding portion (4a) of the label (4) that is directed toward the outer lateral surface (3a) of the container (3)
Implementation Method 2
at least one cutting device (5), which is provided with at least one blade which is arranged, or can be arranged, with its cutting portion (6a) in a position that faces at least one portion (4a) of the label (4)
Implementation Method 3
washing liquid, typically constituted by a solution of hot water and detergent products, used during the washing of the containers
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for removing labels from reusable containers, which includes supporting elements for at least one reusable container, on the outer lateral surface of which at least one label to be removed is applied; the apparatus includes at least one cutting device, which is provided with at least one blade which is configured to be arranged, with its cutting portion in a position that faces at least one portion of the label, and movement elements for moving the aforesaid portion of the label which are adapted to actively impart, on command, to the portion of the label, a movement away from the outer lateral surface of the container, in order to bring the portion of the label against the cutting portion of the blade.