Pressure sensitive labels for use in a cold transfer method and process for making them
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat transfer labels used in garment applications face issues such as skin irritation, bond mark formation, dye migration, and damage to heat-sensitive fabrics, and are limited by the need for a heat source, which restricts their use and incorporation of heat-sensitive items like sensors or tracking devices.
Innovation Solution
A cold transfer pressure sensitive label with a pressure sensitive adhesive layer that provides wet adhesion greater than 10 N/in, allowing it to remain on substrates through repeated washing and drying cycles, and enabling the incorporation of heat-sensitive items without the need for heat application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heat transfer labels use hot melt adhesives to achieve strong bonding, then the label can be securely attached to the substrate, but the label feels stiff or rough at ambient temperature causing skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bonding mechanism from thermal activation to pressure-sensitive activation. The adhesive layer uses pressure-sensitive adhesive instead of hot melt adhesive, eliminating the need for heat application. This parameter change allows the adhesive to remain soft and flexible at ambient temperature while still providing strong bonding through pressure-sensitive adhesion, thus preventing skin irritation while maintaining bonding strength.
2Strength
If heat is applied to transfer the label, then the label bonds to the substrate, but bond marks or discoloration appear on the garment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat application step from the label transfer process. By using pressure-sensitive adhesive instead of hot melt adhesive, the invention removes the thermal energy input that causes bond marks and discoloration. The label can be transferred and bonded through pressure alone, eliminating the harmful thermal effects while maintaining bonding strength.
3Strength
If heat is used for sublimation dyeing, then the label bonds to the substrate, but dye migration causes blurring or fading of the image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heat application step that causes dye migration. By using pressure-sensitive adhesive, the transfer process occurs at ambient temperature, preventing the thermal energy that would otherwise cause sublimation dyeing and subsequent dye migration. This preserves image clarity while achieving bonding through pressure-sensitive adhesion.
4Strength
If high heat is applied for extended time, then the label bonds to the substrate, but heat-sensitive fabric materials are damaged or melt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the thermal energy input from the transfer process. By using pressure-sensitive adhesive instead of hot melt adhesive, the invention eliminates the need for high heat application. The label bonds to the substrate through pressure-sensitive adhesion at ambient temperature, completely avoiding thermal damage to heat-sensitive fabric materials while maintaining bonding strength.
5Ease of manufacture
If heat source is required for label transfer, then the label can be applied, but the process is limited to areas where heat source is available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heat source requirement from the label transfer process. By using pressure-sensitive adhesive, the transfer can be performed anywhere without needing access to heating equipment. This dramatically increases application location flexibility while maintaining process feasibility through simple pressure application.
6Ease of operation
If traditional pressure sensitive labels are used, then the label can be applied without heat, but the label falls off during washing and drying cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the adhesive type from conventional pressure-sensitive adhesive to a specialized pressure-sensitive adhesive formulation that provides wash durability. This parameter change in adhesive chemistry allows the label to maintain strong bonding through repeated washing and drying cycles while still being applicable without heat, thus improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
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 cold transfer pressure sensitive label provides comfort and durability by remaining on garments during washing and drying, while allowing for the integration of heat-sensitive components without heat exposure, enhancing usability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensitive adhesive layer on the opposite side of the ink layer. The pressure sensitive adhesive has a wet adhesion to substrate greater than 10 N/in
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a pressure sensitive label for use in a cold transfer process that can be used for garment identification and labeling. The pressure sensitive label can be applied on textile surface or any other surfaces for which heat transfer is unfavorable or unavailable. The pressure sensitive label can remain on the substrate to which it is attached through repeated washing and drying cycles.