Fluid Activatable Adhesive Labeling Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated labeling machines using tacky adhesives face maintenance issues due to adhesive mess and waste generation, and lack removability for recycling, while existing solutions do not effectively address these problems.
Innovation Solution
An automated labeling apparatus and method that uses a fluid activatable adhesive, where labels are non-tacky until just before application, utilizing a rotating transfer member with suction and adhesive activation stations to apply a fluid and activate the adhesive only when needed, reducing mess and waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tacky liquid adhesives are applied prior to pickup of labels and throughout the entire label application process, then label application is enabled, but the liquid adhesives fall onto various parts of the machine creating a mess and requiring excessive maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is activated only at the moment of label application to the container, rather than being applied in advance. The label carrier holds non-activated adhesive that becomes tacky only when exposed to UV light or heat just before the label is transferred to the container, eliminating adhesive mess during handling and transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive transitions from a non-tacky state to a tacky state through parameter changes (UV irradiation or heat application) at the specific moment of application. This parameter change occurs only when needed, allowing the adhesive to remain stable during storage and transfer while becoming active only during the final bonding operation.
2Ease of operation
If traditional PSA labels with release liners are used, then label application is enabled, but several million pounds of waste are generated per year and removability for recycling is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The release liner is completely removed from the label structure. Instead of using a release liner that must be peeled off, the adhesive is applied directly to the label carrier in a non-tacky state, activated only at the moment of application. This eliminates the release liner and associated waste generation while maintaining ease of label application.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention eliminates the need for release liners that are discarded as waste. The adhesive system allows the label to be applied without a release liner, and the adhesive itself can be recovered or controlled precisely, reducing the millions of pounds of waste generated annually by traditional PSA labels.
3Ease of operation
If traditional PSA labels are used, then label application is enabled, but removability properties desirable in downstream recycling and bottle reusing facilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is activated only at the moment of label application to the container, rather than being applied in advance. This timing control allows the adhesive to bond strongly to the container while maintaining the ability to be controlled or removed in downstream recycling processes, as the adhesive was not present on the label before application.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive system provides dynamic control over when the adhesive becomes active. The adhesive transitions from non-tacky to tacky only when exposed to UV light or heat at the moment of application, allowing for controlled bonding during label application while maintaining adaptability for potential removal or control in recycling 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
The solution provides a cleaner operation and reduces waste by ensuring labels are non-tacky until application, improving maintenance efficiency and enabling easier recycling by using a fluid activatable adhesive that adheres effectively to containers without the need for pre-tacky adhesives.
Implementation Method 1
having openings through which suction is communicated to the lowermost label in the stack for removing the lowermost label from the stack
Implementation Method 2
directing the labels through an adhesive activation station with one or more fluid dispensing mechanisms (e.g., sprayers) to apply a fluid for activating adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method is described herein for automatically labeling using labels having a fluid activatable adhesive along the back surface of such label. The apparatus has multiple pallets each being positionable with the lowermost label of a stack of one or more labels to releasably secure by suction the label against the pallet, and multiple pads each being positionable with respect to pallets to receive labels from the pallets and then releasably retain such labels until application onto containers. Fluid for activating adhesive is applied by an applicator onto labels retained upon the pad to change the fluid activatable adhesive along the label's back surface from a non-tacky state to a tacky state just prior to application of the label onto container.