Elastic Label Assembly with Adhesive Closure for Irregular Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label technologies fail to securely and prominently display information on irregularly shaped articles or bundles, as traditional elastic loops cannot be easily slid onto articles with enclosed ends, and require strong adhesion to withstand handling and transport while maintaining machine-readable indicia integrity.
Innovation Solution
A label assembly comprising a tag portion and an elastic band with adhesive anchors, where the elastic band forms a loop around the article, providing a secure and adjustable fit, and additional adhesive anchors can suspend separate items, ensuring the label remains intact and readable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional elastic loops are used to affix labels to irregularly shaped articles, then the label can be applied to various shapes, but the loop cannot be easily slid onto articles with enclosed ends and may distort the label
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic band is segmented into a first portion bonded to the tag and a second portion forming a loop with an adhesive anchor. This segmentation allows the loop portion to be independently formed and applied to articles with enclosed ends by sliding the open-ended loop onto the article, then securing it with the adhesive anchor, while the tag portion remains separate and undistorted.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive anchor acts as an intermediary between the elastic band and the article. It enables the elastic loop to be securely attached to articles with enclosed ends by providing an additional bonding mechanism that does not require sliding the entire loop onto the article, thus solving the problem of applying labels to articles with enclosed ends while maintaining label integrity.
2Strength
If strong adhesion is used to withstand handling and transport, then the label remains secure, but the integrity of machine-readable indicia may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The labeling system is segmented into distinct functional components: the tag portion containing the indicia, the elastic band for securing, and the adhesive anchor for attachment. This segmentation allows the adhesive forces to be concentrated at the anchor and band-tag interface, protecting the indicia-bearing tag portion from direct adhesive contact and mechanical stress that could distort or damage the machine-readable elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the label assembly have different properties optimized for their specific functions. The adhesive anchor and bonding interfaces are designed for strong adhesion to withstand handling, while the tag portion containing the indicia is kept separate and protected from these strong adhesive forces, ensuring the integrity of the machine-readable information is maintained.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the elastic band is made resilient enough to be placed around irregularly shaped articles, then it can accommodate various shapes, but the label may distort
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the elastic band from the tag portion through bonding, the resilient elastic portion can be stretched and molded to fit irregularly shaped articles without exerting distorting forces on the rigid or semi-rigid tag portion. The tag maintains its precise shape and indicia integrity while the elastic band independently adapts to the article's geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The bonding interface acts as an intermediary that decouples the mechanical stresses. The elastic band's resilience allows it to conform to irregular shapes, while the bonded connection to the tag portion transfers minimal stress to the tag, preserving the label's precision and preventing distortion of the indicia.
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 label assembly effectively secures to irregularly shaped articles and bundles, maintaining the integrity of human and machine-readable information, and withstands handling and transport, while allowing for adjustable fit and suspension of additional items.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive anchor bonded to the second end of the elastic band, and configured to adhere to the tag portion to form the elastic band into a loop
Implementation Method 2
the elastic band is resilient enough to be placed around the item(s) yet maintain its labeling function without distortion to the label
Implementation Method 3
a first adhesive anchor bonded to the first end of the elastic band, and configured to adhere to an article
Data Source
AI summary
A label assembly that includes an elastic band having a first end, a second end, and a bridging segment between the first end and the second end, and that also includes an adhesive anchor bonded to the second end of the elastic band. In some embodiments, the label assembly also includes a tag portion bonded to the first end, where the adhesive anchor is configured to adhere to the tag portion to form the elastic band into a loop. In some other embodiments, the label assembly includes a second adhesive anchor bonded to the second end of the elastic band.