Micro-Embossed Metallic Tube Sleeve for Dynamic Recyclable Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions for consumer products like toothpaste and lotions fail to convey a high-quality feel and are not recyclable, and existing decorations do not allow for dynamic, high-quality visual effects.
Innovation Solution
A tube with a micro-embossed metallic foil on the substrate layer, featuring a depth less than 20 µm and interlaced images, which is glued and micro-embossed to create a high-resolution, permanent pattern that changes with viewing angles, and is made from recyclable materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If printing or flat labels are used for decoration, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but the quality feel is poor and recyclability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a substrate layer and a metallic foil layer with micro-embossed pattern. This composite material approach combines the advantages of different materials: the substrate provides structural integrity and recyclability, while the metallic foil with micro-embossed pattern delivers high-quality visual effects and tactile feel, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and quality feel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional printing or labeling mechanical systems with a micro-embossed metallic foil system. The micro-embossed pattern creates dynamic visual effects through light reflection and refraction rather than through printed ink or adhesive labels, achieving superior quality feel while maintaining manufacturing efficiency and recyclability.
2Illumination intensity
If metallized substrate or metallic film is applied to achieve attractive visual effects, then consumer appeal is enhanced, but the ability to display dynamic patterns that switch from one to another is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a micro-embossed pattern on the metallic foil that produces dynamic visual effects. The pattern appears to change and switch between different images depending on the viewing angle, transforming a static metallic surface into a dynamic display medium that enhances consumer appeal while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the metallic foil decoration by creating interlaced images through micro-embossing. This three-dimensional micro-relief structure enables the display of multiple patterns that switch based on viewing angle, adding temporal and spatial dimensions to what would otherwise be a static surface.
3Illumination intensity
If micro embossed pattern with depth less than 20 μm is applied to metallic foil, then high-quality dynamic visual effects are achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the micro-embossed pattern depth parameter to be less than 20 μm. This specific parameter range is carefully selected to achieve the desired dynamic visual effects while balancing manufacturing precision requirements. The controlled depth ensures sufficient light interaction for visual appeal without excessive manufacturing complexity.
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
The solution provides an attractive, high-quality feel and dynamic visual effects while being recyclable, enhancing consumer appeal and maintaining environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
the metallic foil is engraved by a micro embossed pattern which presents a depth less than 20 μm
Implementation Method 2
the metallic foil is glued on the substrate layer
Implementation Method 3
the micro embossed pattern comprises several interlaced images, each of which is apparent from different viewing angles
Implementation Method 4
the micro embossed pattern comprises several interlaced images, each of which is apparent from different viewing angles
Data Source
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AI summary
Tube (10) comprising a tube head (12) and a tube sleeve (14) extending along a main axis (A), the tube sleeve (14) comprising: - a substrate layer (24), and - a metallic foil (26) comprising a metallic layer (26A) arranged at least locally on an external face of the substrate layer (24) and forming locally the most external layer of the sleeve (14); wherein the metallic foil (26) is engraved by a micro embossed pattern (30) which presents a depth less than 20 µm.