Perforated Label Segmentation for Container Wrapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional label application methods for medication containers are inefficient and labor-intensive, especially when auxiliary labels exceed the container's perimeter, leading to illegibility and damage during manual rearrangement.

Innovation Solution

A label design featuring micro perforations and removable portions, allowing for easy separation and folding of auxiliary labels to fit around the container's perimeter, with adhesive application patterns for secure and orderly placement, enabling efficient application and patient privacy options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If auxiliary labels are extended beyond the container's perimeter to maintain legibility, then label information completeness is improved, but manual rearrangement becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel information completenessVSAvoidmanual rearrangement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The label is divided into multiple sections separated by micro-perforations, allowing each section to be independently folded and arranged around the container. This segmentation enables the label to wrap around the container perimeter while maintaining information legibility without requiring manual rearrangement of the entire label.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The label sections are nested around the container in a folded configuration, with each section wrapping around the container surface. This nesting approach allows the label to extend beyond the container's perimeter while maintaining a compact, organized arrangement that eliminates the need for manual rearrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual rearrangement is used to position auxiliary labels, then label placement flexibility is improved, but risk of label damage and illegibility increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel placement flexibilityVSAvoidlabel integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The label is pre-configured with micro-perforations and folded sections during manufacturing, establishing the final arrangement before application. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual rearrangement after application, thereby preventing label damage and illegibility while maintaining placement flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The label's folded configuration and micro-perforation design enable self-alignment and self-securing around the container without manual intervention. The label automatically positions itself in the correct arrangement, eliminating handling that could cause damage or illegibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If label length exceeds container perimeter to ensure all information is visible, then information accessibility is improved, but application complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation accessibilityVSAvoidlabel application complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The label is segmented into multiple sections separated by micro-perforations, allowing each section to be independently folded and arranged around the container. This segmentation enables the label to wrap around the container perimeter while maintaining information legibility without requiring manual rearrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The label transitions from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional folded structure that wraps around the container. By utilizing the third dimension (circumferential wrapping), the label accommodates extended information while maintaining a compact appearance and simplified application process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 simplifies label application, reduces manual labor, and ensures legibility and privacy by allowing the label to exceed the container's perimeter without tearing, saving time and resources for pharmacists while maintaining patient information accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

each portion comprises a first side removably attached to the backing by an adhesive disposed on at least some of the first side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS10604293B2Systems and methods of generating and disposing labels on containers

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 SAFEWAY INC(US)

AI summary

Systems and methods disclosed herein relate to a label and a method of application of the label on a container that both protects confidential information and functions to allow for the placement of auxiliary labels even if an overall length of a label exceeds the perimeter of the container to which it is applied. The auxiliary labels are disposed in a fanned fashion, attached to a primary label portion by, for example, a micro perforation line, and where the auxiliary labels are separated from each other by micro perforation lines and where the adhesive back of each pair of auxiliary labels are attached to each other in order to form a plurality of protrusions.