Heat-Sensitive Label Preventing Re-Attachment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current labels used on crates for meat and produce are difficult to remove during cleaning, leading to residual adhesive re-attachment issues and moisture sensitivity, increasing labor and costs.

Innovation Solution

A label with a heat-sensitive adhesive that curls when heated, preventing re-attachment by concealing residual adhesive, and an alkali-sensitive adhesive for easy solubilization, combined with a non-paper based printable layer for durability in humid environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If paper-based labels are used to allow water ingress and adhesive dissolution, then label removal is facilitated, but residual adhesive causes re-attachment and labels swell/wrinkle in high moisture environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel removalVSAvoidlabel stability in moisture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The label uses a composite structure with a paper-based front face for water absorption and adhesive dissolution, combined with a heat-sensitive polymer layer that provides dimensional stability and prevents swelling. This multi-material construction allows the label to both dissolve for easy removal and maintain structural integrity in humid environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The label incorporates heat-sensitive materials that change physical properties (curling) in response to temperature changes. When heated, the label curls to conceal residual adhesive, preventing re-attachment. This parameter change allows the same label to facilitate removal through water dissolution while preventing re-attachment through thermal response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If residence time in washing tunnel is extended to allow complete adhesive dissolution, then label removal is improved, but processing time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive dissolutionVSAvoidcleaning process time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The label is pre-treated with water-soluble or water-dispersible adhesive that begins dissolving upon contact with water in the washing tunnel. The paper-based front face is designed to rapidly absorb water and initiate adhesive dissolution before the label enters the tunnel, reducing the required residence time for complete removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical adhesive removal (scraping, peeling) with chemical dissolution through water-soluble/adhesive breakdown. The adhesive is formulated to dissolve or disperse in water, converting a mechanical removal process into a chemical one that occurs automatically during the washing cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If manual label removal is performed to prevent re-attachment, then re-attachment is prevented, but labor costs and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of re-attachmentVSAvoidcleaning efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The label is designed to be self-neutralizing through heat exposure. When the label is heated during or after the washing process, it automatically curls to conceal its adhesive side, preventing re-attachment without requiring manual intervention. The label serves its own prevention function through thermal response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The residual adhesive, which would normally cause re-attachment problems, is converted into a beneficial feature. The heat-sensitive curling action deliberately exposes or conceals the adhesive based on temperature, and the curling itself creates a physical barrier that prevents re-attachment while maintaining the adhesive's bonding properties for the intended use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 efficiently separates from containers without re-attaching, reducing manual removal costs and maintaining legibility and aesthetics in high humidity environments.

Implementation Method 1

at least a part of the body is heat sensitive such that the label curls towards the first side to conceal part of the releasable adhesive when the label is heated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat sensitivity: Thermal Contraction

Implementation Method 2

The paper-based labels allow ingress of water into the label to dissolve or disperse the adhesive holding the label to the crate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive dissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS10789860B2Label

Publication Date: 2020.09.29 LABELMAKERS GRP

AI summary

A label comprising a body having a first side for attaching to a container and a second side for displaying information, the first side includes a releasable adhesive for attaching the label to a container, wherein the releasable adhesive is treatable to cause the label to be separated from the container, and at least a part of the body is heat sensitive such that the label curls towards the first side to conceal part of the releasable adhesive when the label is heated to hinder the label separated from the container from re-attaching to the container.