Container Surface Segmentation for Sleeve Labeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container systems face challenges with structural support, labeling difficulties due to surface irregularities, and logistical complexities in maintaining inventory for different label types.

Innovation Solution

The container system incorporates a combination of smooth panels and textured regions, allowing for the use of both sleeve labels and traditional in-mold labels, thereby enhancing structural support and label readability while simplifying manufacturing and logistics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If facets are added to the container surface for structural support, then the container's strength is improved, but the labeling difficulty worsens due to irregular surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer strengthVSAvoidlabeling difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The container surface is segmented into distinct smooth panels and textured regions. The smooth panels provide flat, label-friendly surfaces while the textured regions provide structural reinforcement. This segmentation allows different parts of the container to serve different functions without compromising either strength or labelability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the container surface are given different qualities: smooth panels for optimal label adhesion and readability, and textured regions for enhanced structural support. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by ensuring that labeling and structural requirements are met in their respective optimal locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If sleeve labels are used on faceted containers, then the label can be applied to irregular surfaces, but the label readability worsens due to light reflection from different facets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel applicabilityVSAvoidlabel readability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The label surface is segmented into smooth panels that provide uniform light reflection and readable text areas, separated from textured regions that handle structural requirements. This ensures that the information-carrying portions of the label remain readable while the container maintains its structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Smooth panels are strategically positioned on the container to provide optimal viewing angles and light reflection characteristics for label readability, while textured regions are placed where structural support is needed but label readability is less critical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If manufacturers maintain inventory of two different container types for different label types, then labeling flexibility is improved, but the device complexity worsens due to inventory management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabeling flexibilityVSAvoidinventory complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container design integrates both smooth panels and textured regions into a single universal container type that can accommodate multiple label types (sleeve labels, in-mold labels, traditional labels). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate container inventories while maintaining labeling flexibility across different product lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The labeling system is made dynamic and adaptable through the hybrid surface design, allowing the same container to be configured for different label types as needed. Manufacturers can dynamically switch between label types on the same container platform without requiring separate container inventories.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution provides flexible labeling options, improves structural integrity, and reduces logistical complexities, enabling manufacturers to efficiently produce and differentiate consumer products.

Implementation Method 1

the label is in the form a sleeve, preferably a shrink sleeve, disposed about the peripheral wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShrinking: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentEP4384449B1Container systems that include sleeve labels
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • EP4384449B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4384449B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4384449B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

Container systems that include where the label is in the form of a sleeve, preferably a shrink sleeve. Consumer products that include such container systems. Arrays of consumer products, where some of the container systems include labels in the form of sleeves, and others include labels that are not in the form of sleeves. Methods of making such consumer products.