Plastic Film Packaging with Integrated Labels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for packaging containers require separate steps for labeling and packaging, which are time-consuming and increase setup costs due to the need for prelabeling and additional material usage.
Innovation Solution
Integrating the label formation into the packaging process by forming part of the inner or outer plastic film layers as labels during transverse welding, eliminating the need for upstream labeling and allowing for direct marking or identification without additional material, using bidirectionally shrinkable plastic film to secure items within compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If labels are applied individually in a separate process step before packaging, then the containers can be labeled, but the process becomes time-consuming and increases setup costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the labeling operation with the packaging process by forming labels directly from the plastic film layers during the packaging operation. The label is created as part of the packaging material itself, eliminating the need for separate labeling steps and enabling simultaneous labeling and packaging in a single continuous process.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic film layers serve multiple functions: they form the packaging structure (outer and inner layers), create compartments for the containers, and simultaneously form the labels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate labeling materials and processes, improving both ease of manufacture and productivity.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate labeling and packaging processes are used, then labeling can be done, but additional material and setup costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic film layers are designed to serve dual purposes: forming the packaging structure and creating the labels. By using the same material for both packaging and labeling functions, the patent eliminates additional material consumption that would be required for separate labeling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The labeling function is merged into the packaging material structure itself. The label is formed from the plastic film layers during the packaging process, eliminating the need for separate labeling materials and reducing overall material consumption.
3Productivity
If upstream labeling is performed, then containers can be labeled, but batch sizes must be kept smaller and setup costs increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the labeling and packaging operations into a single integrated process. The label is formed from the packaging film layers during the packaging operation itself, eliminating the need for separate upstream labeling equipment and process steps, thereby reducing device complexity and enabling larger batch sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging film layers perform multiple functions including forming the packaging structure, creating compartments, and generating labels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate labeling equipment and process steps, reducing overall device complexity and enabling increased batch sizes.
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 approach simplifies the labeling and packaging process, reduces setup costs and time, and allows for increased batch sizes by integrating label formation into the packaging process, ensuring labels remain with the packaged items during removal.
Implementation Method 1
an inner layer of plastic film is welded to an outer layer of plastic film by a transverse weld
Implementation Method 2
A bidirectionally shrinkable plastic film is preferably used at least for the outer layer. This approach enables the article to be packaged to be secured in place in the compartments by shrinking the film.
Data Source
AI summary
A package of plastic film for articles to be packaged is made by first forming in an inner layer of longitudinally extending plastic film or in an outer layer of longitudinally extending plastic film a plurality of longitudinally spaced labels each having an outer periphery releasably joined to the respective layer. The inner and outer layers are juxtaposed and welded together along transverse welds between the labels so as to form between the layers a longitudinal row of compartments each having a respective one of the labels. A respective article is inserted into each of the compartments a respective article. Only the labels are adhered to the respective articles such that when one of the articles is removed from the respective compartment the respective label is separated from the respective layer and stays on the removed article.