Liner-Free Label Activator Solvent Application

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional adhesive sheet labeling systems require a non-stick liner layer and coating of equipment components to prevent adhesive residue from gumming or jamming, leading to waste and increased costs, while still not fully preventing adhesive exposure issues.

Innovation Solution

A liner-free adhesive sheet system where the adhesive agent layer is activated only after exiting the printer, eliminating the need for a non-stick liner and equipment coatings, using a solvent-sensitive adhesive that becomes tacky after passing through a solvent activation apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a non-stick liner layer and non-stick coating on equipment components are used, then adhesive residue gumming and jamming is prevented, but waste is generated and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of adhesive residue gumming and jammingVSAvoidwaste from non-recyclable liner layer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the non-stick liner layer from the adhesive sheet structure, extracting the problematic component that causes waste. The adhesive sheet is designed to be liner-free, with the adhesive layer directly on the backing material, eliminating the need for liner removal and disposal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive layer is pre-treated with a sizing agent during manufacturing that provides temporary non-stick properties during printing and application. This preliminary treatment allows the adhesive to remain non-tacky until needed, preventing gumming during handling without requiring a separate liner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 3:

The patent changes the adhesive properties by controlling the drying process to achieve a specific tack-free state during handling, then activates full adhesion through moisture exposure during application. This parameter change allows the same adhesive layer to serve both as a non-stick surface during printing and as a sticky adhesive during application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If non-stick coating is applied to equipment components, then adhesive exposure is prevented, but system costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of adhesive exposure and gummingVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for non-stick coatings on printing plates, rollers, and other equipment components by redesigning the adhesive sheet to be inherently non-tacky during handling through the sizing agent treatment, removing the requirement for additional protective coatings on equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive layer's tack properties are dynamically controlled through environmental moisture exposure - remaining low-tack during the printing process but becoming high-tack during application. This allows equipment to handle the adhesive without special non-stick coatings while still achieving proper adhesion to the substrate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If adhesive agent layer is constantly sticky, then adhesion function is maintained, but equipment gumming occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion functionVSAvoidadhesive residue gumming

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive layer is pre-treated with a sizing agent that provides temporary protection during manufacturing and handling, preventing premature adhesion and equipment gumming. The full adhesion function is then activated when moisture is introduced during the labeling application process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive exhibits periodic behavior - remaining non-tacky during the printing and handling phase, then becoming sticky during the application phase when exposed to moisture. This temporal separation allows the adhesive to perform different functions at different times without causing gumming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

This solution prevents adhesive residue issues, reduces waste and costs, and allows for efficient use of adhesive sheets without the need for non-stick coatings, ensuring reliable operation of labeling equipment.

Implementation Method 1

a solvent-sensitive adhesive agent layer which is not rendered tacky until it passes through an activation site contained within a solvent activation apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (physical): Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS9085384B2Liner-free label and systems

Publication Date: 2015.07.21 CENVEO WORLDWIDE LTD

AI summary

The invention relates to a liner-free label activator, adapted to be joined to another piece of equipment, such as a thermal printer. The activator has a housing including a reservoir for containing a solvent and a pump connected to the reservoir. The activator also has an applicator connected to the pump for applying solvent to a liner-free label passing thereby, an activator control system to connect to a control system of the printer, and structure for connecting the housing to the printer.