Dual Label Assembly With Pull-Tab Liner Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label technologies do not efficiently support dual-sided imaging and easy separation of labels from a liner substrate without requiring additional user actions or materials, especially in applications involving thermal-based coatings.
Innovation Solution
A dual label combination comprising a label substrate and a liner substrate, where the liner substrate is coated to be receptive to inkjet or laser printing, and both substrates are adhered with adhesive and release coatings, allowing for dual-sided imaging and easy separation of individual labels using a pull tab, without the need for tear strips or additional materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If labels are affixed to a liner substrate for storage and application, then labels can be easily stored and handled, but separating individual labels from the liner requires additional user actions such as tearing or peeling
Solution Approach 1:
The label assembly is segmented into three distinct parts: the label substrate, the liner substrate, and a pull tab. The pull tab is attached to both substrates and serves as a mechanical leverage point that allows users to easily separate the label from the liner by pulling in opposite directions, eliminating the need for tearing or peeling operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the liner substrate is made printable for dual-sided imaging, then both label and liner can be imaged with information, but the imaging process becomes more complex requiring compatibility with multiple printing techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The liner substrate is designed with a coating that makes it receptive to multiple printing techniques including inkjet, laser, and thermal printing. This universal compatibility allows the same liner substrate to be used across different printing systems without requiring specialized materials for each printing method, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite enabling dual-sided imaging.
3Ease of operation
If traditional label separation methods are used without pull tabs, then the label structure is simpler, but waste material is generated and user effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pull tab is designed to be grabbed and pulled by the user to initiate separation, and the mechanical leverage provided by the tab allows the user's pulling force to efficiently separate the label from the liner. The tab itself becomes part of the label portion that remains with the user, eliminating waste material that would otherwise be generated by tearing operations.
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
Enables efficient dual-sided imaging and easy separation of labels, reducing waste and user effort, while maintaining image quality and compatibility with various printing techniques, including thermal, inkjet, and laser printing.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive layer and a release liner. An adhesive section and a detachable section are die cut into the adhesive layer. The adhesive and detachable sections are removably attached to a release-liner
Implementation Method 2
The adhesive and detachable sections are removably attached to a release-liner which is coated with a non-stick composition
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A dual label combination is provided. The label combination includes a label substrate, and the label substrate is die cut with at least three separate labels. The label combination also includes a liner substrate attached to a back side of the label substrate. The label substrate including at least two die cuts with one of the die cuts defining a liner label that corresponds to one of the at least three labels of the label substrate. A back side of the liner substrate includes a coating for imaging on the liner substrate with: inkjet, laser, direct thermal, or thermal transfer printing. The liner label and the corresponding label of the label substrate separable from the label combination by a manufactured pull tab substantially centered at a bottom of the liner label of the liner substrate and the corresponding label of the label substrate.