In-Mold Label Fastener Assembly for Tag Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic fasteners used for attaching merchandise tags to fabric face issues with insecure adhesive labels, difficulty in integrating label applicators into continuous molding processes, and limited customization capabilities, leading to tampering risks and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly with an in-mold label embedded within the plastic fastener, utilizing a continuous molding system that includes a rotatable mold wheel with statically charged labels and a synchronized label dispensing apparatus to ensure secure and tamper-resistant identification, allowing for rapid customization and efficient production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If adhesive labels are used to mark fastener paddles, then identification information can be applied, but the labels become insecure and susceptible to tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the label application process with the fastener molding process itself. The label is applied to the paddle during injection molding, becoming an integrated part of the fastener structure rather than a separate adhesive attachment. This combining of operations eliminates the security vulnerability of adhesive labels while maintaining identification functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The label is prepared and positioned on the mold cavity before the plastic material is injected. This preliminary placement ensures the label is securely embedded within the fastener structure from the beginning of the manufacturing process, preventing later tampering or removal that would be possible with post-manufacturing adhesive application.
2Productivity
If in-line label applicators are integrated into continuous molding processes, then branding can be applied, but the integration is difficult and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the labeling function with the existing mold wheel structure. Rather than adding a separate in-line label applicator system, the label application is integrated directly into the mold cavity preparation step, utilizing the existing rotational and positioning mechanisms of the continuous molding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold wheel cavities serve multiple functions: they shape the fastener components, position the labels, and facilitate the injection molding process all in one operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated label application equipment while maintaining continuous production capabilities.
3Productivity
If conventional fastener stock is used, then production is efficient, but customization and branding capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different regions of the fastener paddle. The label-bearing area receives specialized treatment (label embedding) while the rest of the fastener structure maintains its standard injection-molded construction. This localized differentiation enables customization without compromising overall production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The label is pre-positioned in the mold cavity before the molding process begins, allowing for rapid changeover between different label designs by simply changing the label material or print on the mold insert, without requiring complex post-processing or retooling of the entire molding system.
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 secure, tamper-resistant, and customizable fastener with embedded identification, enhancing brand recognition and deterring ticket-switching while improving production efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a mold wheel having cavities in a peripheral surface thereof, the mold wheel being designed to rotate and having a layer of statically charged labels on a peripheral surface of the mold wheel
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A fastener assembly (11) includes a molded plastic fastener (13) shaped to define a filament (21), a paddle (35) at one end of the filament (21), and a cross-bar (17) at the other end of the filament (21). The fastener assembly (11) additionally includes a printed label (15) embedded in the paddle (35), the printed label (15) including an electrically chargeable, stiffness enhancing laminate that is applied to a print receptive polymer substrate. An inline system for manufacturing a continuously connected supply of the fastener assemblies (11) includes a rotatable mold wheel, a feed mechanism for advancing a continuous, ionized, printed polymer web in a near tangential relationship relative to the mold wheel periphery, a cutting mechanism for transversely cutting through the web to form a plurality of rectangular printed labels (15) that are magnetically drawn into corresponding cavities in the mold wheel, an extruder for applying molten plastic into the cavities and a knife for skiving excess hardened plastic from the mold wheel periphery.