Multi-Layer Cylindrical Label with Displacement Kinks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-layer labels for cylindrical products face issues such as tears and loose sections during labeling, leading to machine downtime and visual imperfections, especially when wrapping around cylindrical products, due to displacement and manual tear removal challenges.

Innovation Solution

The label design features all layers of the same size, with additional weakenings on lower layers that form kinks to absorb displacement, and a tear-off tab or perforation as an opening means, ensuring no loose sections and maintaining a clean visual appearance when opened and closed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a cutout is provided in the bottom layer to compensate for displacement when wrapping around cylindrical products, then the displacement is compensated, but tears occur during punching that must be manually removed and can detach during labeling causing machine downtime

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplacement compensationVSAvoidlabel integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The label is divided into multiple layers (top layer, intermediate layer, bottom layer) that can move independently. The cutout is provided only in the bottom layer, allowing it to expand and compensate for displacement during wrapping without affecting the integrity of the top and intermediate layers. This segmentation prevents tears from propagating through the entire label structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The problematic tear-prone area is extracted by providing the cutout only in the bottom layer, separating the displacement compensation function from the information display function. The top layer remains intact without cutouts, ensuring that tears do not occur in the visible or critical areas during punching and application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If a two-layer label is formed as a single piece with a fold to accommodate displacement, then the displacement is absorbed, but the folded area protrudes laterally causing the label to tear or detach and creates visual imperfections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplacement absorptionVSAvoidlabel attachment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of forming a continuous fold through the entire label structure, the patent segments the label into multiple layers with the cutout provided only in the bottom layer. This allows the bottom layer to expand independently to absorb displacement without creating lateral protrusions that would compromise the stability of the overall label attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The displacement compensation is achieved in the radial dimension through the cutout in the bottom layer, rather than creating a lateral fold that protrudes in the tangential dimension. This dimensional approach allows the label to accommodate wrapping displacement without compromising attachment stability or creating visual imperfections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of substance

If layers are made separately with different materials to reduce cost, then material cost is reduced, but the label structure becomes more complex to assemble

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial costVSAvoidlabel assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The label is segmented into multiple layers that can be manufactured separately using different materials optimized for each layer's function, then assembled through adhesive bonding. The top layer can use premium materials for visual appeal, while intermediate and bottom layers can use more economical materials, reducing overall material cost while maintaining performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple layers manufactured separately with different materials are merged through adhesive bonding to form a unified label structure. This combining approach allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function and material requirements while creating a cohesive final product that performs as a integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3327706B1Label
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 JUNG OLAF
  • EP3327706B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3327706B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3327706B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a label (10, 10') for application to a cylindrical product, comprising an upper layer (20) with information fields, wherein at least one externally visible information field (21, 22, 23) is provided. Furthermore, at least one additional lower layer (30), separate from the upper layer (20), is provided, with at least one information field (31, 32). The reverse side of the lower layer (30) serves for attachment to the product, and the at least one lower layer (30) is arranged beneath the upper layer (20) and covered by this upper layer (20) when closed. The layers (20, 30) are partially connected to one another by releasable adhesive bonds (26), wherein one or more perforations (41) are provided in the upper layer (20) as opening means (40).When open, folding back at least part of the upper layer (20) provides access to the information fields on the reverse side of the upper layer (20), which are not visible from the outside, and/or to the information fields (31, 32) of the lower layer (30), which are not visible from the outside. Permanent adhesive bonds (25) and/or removable adhesive bonds (26) are provided to connect the layers (20, 30). The removable adhesive bonds (26) are located outside the information fields (31, 32) and allow the upper layer (20) to be lifted from the lower layer (30) and the layers (20, 30) to be reattached. The invention now proposes that all layers (20, 30) of the label are of the same size, wherein on each lower layer (30) of the label two additional weakenings (34) running parallel to each other, such as cuts with holding points, are provided, whereby a fold area (35) is formed between the additional weakenings (34).When applying the label to a cylindrical product, the additional weakenings (34) form predetermined creases, and the crease area (35) is folded over when the product is wrapped to accommodate the displacement of the lower layers (30) (Fig. 2).