Foldable Pull Tab for Stretch Release Adhesive Tape

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stretch releasing adhesive tapes often require a visible pull tab for easy removal, which can be unobtrusive and aesthetically undesirable, and may not be easily grasped or activated without exposing the adhesive surface.

Innovation Solution

A foldable and extendable pull tab integrated into the adhesive tape, where one surface of the tab film is bonded to both adhesive surfaces of the tape, allowing the tab to be hidden until needed, and can be extended for easy grasping and activation of the tape's stretch release property without exposing the adhesive.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a visible pull tab is used for easy removal of adhesive tape, then ease of operation is improved, but visual appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of removalVSAvoidvisual appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The pull tab is designed to be dynamic rather than static - it can be folded into the adhesive tape when not in use to maintain a clean appearance, and extended when needed for easy grasping and removal. This dynamic configuration allows the same structure to serve both aesthetic and functional requirements at different times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pull tab is nested within or integrated into the adhesive tape structure. When folded, the tab is contained within the tape body, creating a unified appearance. When extended, it protrudes for grasping. This nesting approach allows the functional element to be hidden when not needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Shape

If a pull tab is made unobtrusive by folding it, then visual appearance is improved, but ease of grasping deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual appearanceVSAvoidease of grasping
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pull tab transitions from a folded (hidden) state to an extended (grasbable) state as needed. The dynamic nature allows users to easily unfold and extend the tab when they need to grasp it, providing full functionality when required while maintaining aesthetics when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If adhesive surface is exposed for tab formation, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adhesive integrity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetab formationVSAvoidadhesive integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pull tab is formed and integrated into the adhesive tape during the manufacturing process itself, rather than as a separate post-processing step. This preliminary action ensures that the tab is created while the adhesive is still in its optimal bonding state, maintaining both ease of manufacture and adhesive integrity simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 visually appealing and user-friendly mechanism for activating the stretch release property of the adhesive tape, allowing for easy removal without damaging the bonded objects and maintaining the adhesive integrity between the tape and the pull tab.

Implementation Method 1

one surface of the tab film is bonded to both adhesive surfaces of the tape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2164699B1Removable adhesive tape with foldable pull tab
Publication Date: 2016.06.22 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP2164699B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2164699B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5b
  • EP2164699B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A stretch releasing adhesive tape is disclosed comprising a pull tab comprising a single tab film which is adhered to both adhesive surfaces of the stretch releasing adhesive tape. The pull tab is foldable so as to comprise an unobtrusive visual appearance, and may also be extendable so that the pull tab may be grasped to activate the stretch release.