Label Assembly Registration Structure for Non-Planar Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label application methods require separate apparatus for applying labels to non-planar surfaces like pens or pencils and planar surfaces like CDs, lacking efficient alignment and adhesion solutions.
Innovation Solution
A label assembly with a face sheet, adhesive material, and a back sheet featuring a removable panel and registration structure, allowing for easy alignment and adhesion of labels to both planar and non-planar surfaces without additional application tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing label application methods are used, then labels can be applied to surfaces, but separate apparatus is required for non-planar surfaces like pens or pencils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple label application functions into a single integrated label assembly. The label assembly includes a face sheet with label shape, adhesive material, back sheet with removable panel, registration structure, and alignment structure all merged into one unit that can apply labels to both planar and non-planar surfaces without requiring separate apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The label assembly is designed as a universal tool that can apply labels to various surface types including non-planar surfaces like pens or pencils with cylindrical or conical shafts, and planar surfaces like CDs or DVDs, eliminating the need for different apparatus for different surface types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing label application methods are used, then labels can be applied to surfaces, but separate apparatus is required for planar surfaces like CDs or DVDs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple label application functions into a single integrated label assembly. The label assembly includes a face sheet with label shape, adhesive material, back sheet with removable panel, registration structure, and alignment structure all merged into one unit that can apply labels to both planar and non-planar surfaces without requiring separate apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The label assembly is designed as a universal tool that can apply labels to various surface types including non-planar surfaces like pens or pencils with cylindrical or conical shafts, and planar surfaces like CDs or DVDs, eliminating the need for different apparatus for different surface types.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual label alignment is used, then labels can be applied to surfaces, but alignment precision is insufficient for proper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The registration structure and alignment structure are pre-formed on the label assembly before label application. The registration structure includes raised features that pre-align with corresponding features on the target surface, and the alignment structure includes features that pre-position the label during application, eliminating the need for complex alignment operations during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The registration structure and alignment structure serve as intermediary elements between the label and the target surface. These structures facilitate precise positioning by providing physical guides and alignment features that mediate the placement process, ensuring accurate label positioning without requiring complex manual alignment.
4Ease of operation
If adhesive material is exposed, then labels can be applied to surfaces, but adhesive exposure can cause misalignment or adhesion issues
Solution Approach 1:
The removable panel is designed to be removed immediately before label application, exposing the adhesive material at the optimal moment. This preliminary action ensures that the adhesive is exposed only when needed, preventing premature exposure that could cause misalignment or adhesion issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable panel serves as an intermediary protective layer that covers the adhesive material during storage and handling. It is removed just before application to expose the adhesive, and its removal is facilitated by alignment features that ensure proper positioning during the exposure process, preventing adhesion issues.
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
Enables straightforward and accurate labeling of variously shaped objects, including cylindrical pens and flat CDs, by using tearable lines, removable panels, and registration structures for precise alignment and adhesion.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive material disposed between the face sheet and the back sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A label assembly that includes a face sheet with at least one label shape defined by one or more tearable lines of separation, a back sheet adjacent to the face sheet, and an adhesive material disposed between the face sheet and the back sheet. The back sheet has a removable panel disposed over the label shape adhesive material and a registration tab aligned with the label shape. The registration tab is raised or raisable above the back sheet to allow an object for labeling to be positioned against the registration tab for proper alignment with the label.