Thermal Insulative Label with Coated Substrate and Shrink Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulative labels for containers are often bulky, difficult to use and manufacture, and lack descriptive features, failing to effectively provide thermal insulation and secure attachment to the container.

Innovation Solution

A thermally insulative label comprising a first layer of material with an insulative coating and a second layer of shrink material, where the insulative coating is applied to the first layer before coupling to the container, and the second layer includes graphics, with a laminating adhesive between the layers to ensure secure attachment and enhanced insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If multiple layers of fibrous materials are used to provide insulation, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the label becomes bulky and difficult to handle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidhandling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a thin film label structure with insulative coating instead of bulky fibrous materials. The label comprises a substrate with an insulative coating applied to it, creating a thin yet effective thermal barrier that remains flexible and easy to handle, wrap, and apply to containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by combining a substrate material with an insulative coating. This composite approach provides effective thermal insulation through the coating layer while maintaining the flexibility and handleability of the substrate, avoiding the bulkiness of traditional multi-layer fibrous constructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If insulative coating is applied to the label, then thermal insulation is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The insulative coating is applied to the substrate in advance during the label manufacturing process, before the label is applied to the container. This preliminary action integrates the insulating function into the label production itself, avoiding additional steps and simplifying the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the insulative coating application with the label manufacturing process. The coating is applied to the substrate as part of label production, merging two functions (label creation and insulation provision) into a single integrated manufacturing process, thereby reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the label is not coupled to the container, then the label structure is simpler, but the label fails to provide secure attachment and effective insulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel structure simplicityVSAvoidattachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The label structure is designed to be self-adhering through the insulative coating that serves dual functions: providing thermal insulation and acting as an adhesive layer. When applied to the container, the coating bonds the label securely to the container surface, eliminating the need for separate coupling mechanisms while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The insulative coating performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal insulation, acts as an adhesive for secure attachment to the container, and serves as a bonding layer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 improved thermal insulation, making it easier to handle containers with hot or cold beverages by reducing heat and cold transmission, while also serving as an adhesive for secure attachment and allowing for comfortable handling and extended retention of beverage temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

an insulative coating applied to the at least one layer of material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

a second layer of shrink material configured to couple to the first layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentUS7807262B2Thermal insulative label

Publication Date: 2010.10.05 MCC NORWOOD LLC

AI summary

A thermally insulative label is provided. The label includes a first layer of material including an insulative coating, and a second layer of shrink material coupled to the first layer wherein the second layer includes graphics.