Resin Outer Case Grooves for Bubble-Free Label Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The generation of outgas from resin cases due to heat causes air bubbles between the case and the label, deteriorating the appearance of electrical devices with adhered labels.

Innovation Solution

The outer case is designed with grooves extending in one direction to guide outgas away from the label, preventing air bubbles and maintaining a neat appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a label is adhered to the surface of the resin outer case, then the appearance and information display are improved, but air bubbles may form between the case and label due to outgas from heat-generating members, deteriorating the appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappearance of label adhesionVSAvoidair bubbles between case and label

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesion region is segmented into multiple grooves that divide the space between the label and outer case. This segmentation allows outgas to be channeled through specific pathways (the grooves) rather than forming random air bubbles, thereby maintaining label adhesion quality while accommodating gas release from heat-generating members

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grooves act as an intermediary structure between the label and the outer case. They provide a controlled interface that manages the interaction between the adhesive layer and outgas, allowing gas to escape through the groove structures while maintaining overall label adhesion and appearance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the resin outer case is heated due to temperature rise of internal members, then the operational function is maintained, but outgas is generated from the resin case, forming air bubbles that deteriorate appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational function of electrical deviceVSAvoidoutgas from resin case

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The grooves convert the harmful outgas into a beneficial controlled flow pathway. Instead of allowing outgas to form random air bubbles that damage appearance, the grooves channel the gas escape, transforming a harmful byproduct of heating into a controlled process that maintains label adhesion quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The grooves create local quality variations in the adhesion region. By concentrating gas escape pathways in specific localized areas (the grooves), the surrounding areas maintain strong label adhesion, thus allowing the device to operate at elevated temperatures without compromising overall appearance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4683068A1Electric apparatus to which label is adhered

Publication Date: 2026.01.21 PANASONIC ENERGY CO LTD

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AI summary

Provided is an electrical device with improved appearance of a label adhered to an outer case. The electrical device includes an outer case 2 made of resin, a label 4 adhered to an adhesion region 3 provided on a surface of the outer case 2, and a heat-generating member 5 stored in the outer case 2. The adhesion region 3 includes a plurality of grooves 31 extending in one direction.