Container Sleeve Assembly for Labeling Complex Surface Geometries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Containers with complex surface geometries, such as compound, undulated, or ribbed surfaces, pose challenges for applying pre-printed pressure-sensitive labels or direct printing due to their irregular shapes, limiting decoration options and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A semi-rigid plastic sleeve with a smooth outer and inner surface is used to circumscribe the container, allowing for decoration and information addition while being fixedly coupled to the container's projections, offering a solution for containers with surface geometries that prevent traditional labeling methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a container has a complex surface geometry (compound, undulated, or ribbed surfaces), then the container provides enhanced structural strength and stacking stability, but traditional labeling methods (pre-printed pressure-sensitive labels or direct printing) cannot be effectively applied
Solution Approach 1:
A sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between the complex-surfaced container and the decoration/label. The sleeve has a smooth inner surface that contacts the container's projections and an outer surface suitable for decoration application. This mediator transfers the structural benefits of the complex geometry while providing a smooth labeling surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The container system is segmented into two functional parts: the container body (with complex surface geometry for strength) and the sleeve (with smooth surfaces for labeling). This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromise.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sleeve is added to circumscribe the container for decoration purposes, then decoration options and shelf appeal are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is constructed as a flexible or semi-rigid thin-walled structure that can easily conform to the container's shape and be applied/removed as needed. This flexibility minimizes the increase in overall system complexity while enabling versatile decoration options.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a smooth surface for decoration, enhances tactile feel, allows 360-degree graphics, and can be designed to fit various container types. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by delivering multiple benefits from a single addition.
Data Source
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AI summary
A container assembly comprised of a sleeve can be provided so as to circumscribe an underlying container and fixedly coupled to the underlying container at one or more portions of the underlying container. The container can have sidewalls with a surface geometry or geometries that prevent or make difficult the application of either a pre-printed pressure sensitive label or direct printing. Thus, the sleeve can have a decoration of label provided therein, while as the same time optionally allowing viewing access to the underlying container. The sleeve can be supported by the underlying container and may have a rigidity less than a rigidity of the sidewall(s) with the surface geometry of the underlying container.