Linerless Label Adhesive Patterns for Cutter Blade Buildup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linerless labels can cause adhesive build-up in printers, leading to issues like jams and mis-feeds due to increased contact between the adhesive and cutting mechanisms, which affects printer performance.
Innovation Solution
The use of a label making apparatus with a roll of media featuring a thermally sensitive ink on the front side and patterned adhesive on the back side, where the adhesive is configured to minimize contact with the cutter blade by varying the pattern across the width and length of the cutting mechanism, reducing adhesive build-up and improving cutting uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If linerless labels are used to eliminate release liners, then environmental friendliness and waste reduction are improved, but adhesive build-up in the printer increases causing jams and mis-feeds
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer is segmented into a discontinuous pattern rather than being continuous. The pattern includes multiple adhesive regions spaced apart, which reduces the total contact area between adhesive and cutter blade while maintaining sufficient adhesion for label application. This segmentation prevents excessive adhesive build-up on the cutter blade that causes jams and mis-feeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive pattern is designed with varying local properties - some regions have adhesive material while others are adhesive-free. This local variation allows the label to have sufficient adhesive strength where needed while minimizing adhesive contact with the cutter blade in other areas, thereby reducing build-up and improving printer reliability.
2Strength
If adhesive material is applied to the back of linerless labels, then label adhesion to surfaces is improved, but contact between adhesive and cutter blade increases causing build-up
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer is divided into discrete patterned regions rather than being applied as a continuous layer. This segmentation reduces the total surface area of adhesive that contacts the cutter blade during the cutting process, thereby minimizing adhesive build-up while preserving adequate adhesion strength in the patterned regions for proper label application.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying adhesive across the entire back surface of the label (excessive action), adhesive is applied only to specific patterned regions (partial action). This partial application provides sufficient adhesion for the label's functional requirements while reducing the harmful effect of excessive adhesive contact with the cutter blade.
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 configuration reduces adhesive build-up on the cutter and other printer parts, minimizing jams and mis-feeds, while allowing for custom label lengths and enhanced security features through patterned adhesive designs that can include readable information.
Implementation Method 1
a front portion including thermally sensitive ink
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Linerless labels (202) are described. A label (202) includes a specific pattern or set of patterns of adhesive (203) applied to one side of the label (202). The adhesive pattern(s) (203) reduces contact between a cutter blade of a printer and the adhesive on the one side of the label (202). Moreover, the adhesive patterns (203) reduce buildup of adhesive on the cutter blade and reduce buildup at specific locations on the cutter blade. That is, the adhesive patterns (203) more evenly distribute adhesive buildup across the cutter blade. Consequently, the cutter blade can be used for a longer period of time before the cutter blade needs to be cleaned of the adhesive.