Multifunctional Label Structure for Light and Gas Barrier Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing labels do not provide reliable and long-lasting protection for the contents of containers against electromagnetic radiation and gas transmission in a cost-effective manner.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional label comprising a radiation protection layer and a gas barrier layer, which are directly or indirectly coupled, to reduce electromagnetic radiation and gas transmission, respectively, with features such as films, coatings, and adhesives to ensure durability and effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing labels are used for container protection, then basic identification function is provided, but reliable and long-lasting protection against electromagnetic radiation and gas transmission is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection reliabilityVSAvoidlabel structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple protective functions (radiation protection, gas barrier, electronic identification, visual inspection) into a single integrated label structure. The radiation protection layer and gas barrier layer are directly or indirectly coupled to form one multifunctional label, eliminating the need for separate protective components and achieving reliable protection without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The label is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: protecting against electromagnetic radiation, blocking gas transmission, enabling electronic identification through RFID/NFC components, and allowing visual inspection through transparent sections. This multi-functionality approach addresses the reliability requirement while maintaining cost-effectiveness by consolidating multiple protection needs into one product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple protective layers are added to achieve reliable protection, then protection effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection durabilityVSAvoidproduction simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation protection layer and gas barrier layer are designed to be directly or indirectly coupled, forming an integrated structure that can be manufactured as a single unit. This merging approach maintains protection effectiveness while simplifying the manufacturing process compared to assembling multiple separate protective components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses thin film structures for both the radiation protection layer and gas barrier layer. These flexible, thin-film solutions provide effective protection while being cost-effective and simple to manufacture, avoiding the need for thick, rigid, or complex protective structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the label provides complete coverage for protection, then protection effectiveness is maximized, but inspection capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection coverageVSAvoidinspection accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The label incorporates transparent sections or inspection windows that provide localized areas for visual inspection while the rest of the label maintains full protective coverage. This local differentiation allows the label to simultaneously achieve comprehensive protection and easy inspection capability without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 label provides reliable and durable protection against light and gas, allowing for inspection windows and electronic identification, suitable for pharmaceutical containers, in a simple and cost-effective way.

Implementation Method 1

The radiation protection layer is adapted to predeterminedly reduce a transmission of electromagnetic radiation in a given wavelength range... The electromagnetic radiation that is to be prevented from passing through the multifunctional label by means of the radiation protection layer is to be arranged in the ultraviolet and/or visible spectral range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The pigments are designed to absorb and/or reflect a predetermined amount of ultraviolet radiation. The color print is designed to absorb and/or reflect a predetermined wavelength range of visible light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The gas barrier layer is adapted to reduce a transmission of a gaseous substance in a predetermined manner... The gaseous substance that is to be prevented from passing through the multifunctional label by means of the gas barrier layer can relate to a pure gas, such as oxygen, and/or to a gas mixture, such as air or water vapor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation barrier: Permeation

Implementation Method 4

The radiation protection layer and the gas barrier layer are directly or indirectly coupled to each other... an adhesive layer, by means of which the multifunctional label can be easily and reliably adhered to the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS12573319B2Multifunctional label, system and method for producing a multifunctional label
Publication Date: 2026.03.10 SCHREINER GRP GMBH & CO KG
  • US12573319B2 patent drawing
  • US12573319B2 patent drawing
  • US12573319B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multifunctional label includes a radiation protection layer which is designed to predeterminedly reduce the transmission of electromagnetic radiation in a given wavelength range. The multifunctional label further includes a gas barrier layer, which is designed to reduce the transmission of a gaseous substance in a predetermined manner. The radiation protection layer and the gas barrier layer are directly or indirectly coupled to each other in the common multifunctional label.