Label Writer Tape Barrier Layer Prevents Ink Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Label writer tapes using synthetic resin films as substrates face issues with residual ink and adhesive remaining on adherends due to adhesive transfer and cohesive failure, leading to discoloration when peeled off after long-term attachment.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a barrier layer between the ink and adhesive layers, and using specific adhesive resins in the ink layer to prevent transfer and degradation, ensuring no residual ink or adhesive remains on the adherend and preventing discoloration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a colored adhesive layer is applied to a transparent film to achieve colored appearance, then the aesthetic requirement is satisfied, but adhesive transfer to the ink layer occurs causing anchoring fracture and residual adhesive/ink on adherend when peeled off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolored appearanceVSAvoidanchoring property
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A barrier layer is introduced between the adhesive layer and the ink layer to prevent direct contact and interaction between adhesive components and the ink layer. This intermediary layer blocks the transfer of adhesive substances to the ink layer, thereby preventing anchoring fracture and residual adhesive/ink formation on the adherend when the label is peeled off.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive system is segmented into distinct functional layers: a colored adhesive layer for aesthetic purposes, a barrier layer to prevent transfer, and the ink layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, with the barrier layer specifically designed to prevent adhesive migration while maintaining the colored appearance function of the adhesive layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of stationary object

If a label is attached to an adherend for long-term usage, then the duration of action is extended, but cohesive failure in the ink layer occurs causing discoloration and residual ink when peeled off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment durationVSAvoidink layer integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier layer serves as a protective intermediary between the adhesive layer and the ink layer, preventing adhesive components from migrating into the ink layer over time. This isolation maintains the chemical stability and integrity of the ink layer during long-term attachment, preventing cohesive failure and discoloration that would otherwise occur due to prolonged exposure to adhesive substances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier layer is positioned in advance between the adhesive and ink layers to provide preemptive protection against adhesive transfer. This prior cushioning prevents the gradual degradation and cohesive failure of the ink layer that would occur during long-term attachment, ensuring the ink layer maintains its integrity throughout the extended service period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If a three-layer structure (substrate/ink/adhesive) is used for continuous printing on rolled tape, then productivity is improved, but adhesive transfer to ink layer causes residual material on adherend when peeled off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous printing capabilityVSAvoidresidual ink and adhesive
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier layer is introduced as an intermediary between the ink layer and adhesive layer in the multi-layer tape structure. This barrier prevents adhesive transfer to the ink layer during the continuous printing and attachment process, thereby eliminating the generation of residual ink and adhesive on the adherend when labels are peeled off, while maintaining the productivity benefits of continuous rolled tape printing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3220377B1Tape for label writer
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 NICHIBAN CO LTD
  • EP3220377B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

To prevent an ink from discoloring and an ink from remaining when a tape for label writer using a transparent synthetic resin film which is colorized by an ink layer is peeled off from an adherend. A tape for label writer being composed of: (i) the tape for label writer having a layer structure including at least a process layer, substrate layer, ink layer, barrier layer, and adhesive layer in this order; (ii) the substrate layer being a synthetic resin film; and (iii) the ink layer including one adhesive resin selected from the group including polyurethane resin, acrylic resin and polyester resin, and a pigment.