Reconfigurable Label Assembly Transforming Into Leak-Proof Receptacle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label technologies, such as those described by Riis et al., are limited in their ability to transform fully from a label to a leak-proof receptacle, suffer from complex assembly processes, aesthetic and commercial utility loss when detached, and lack efficient reuse capabilities, with adhesive joints posing contamination risks and complicating transformation back to a label.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable label assembly comprising a container with a front panel, back panel, and bottom panel that can be easily transformed into a leak-proof receptacle and back into a label, maintaining aesthetic and commercial utilities, with ultrasonic welds preventing leakage and allowing for multiple uses and reattachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If adhesive joints are used to assemble cup sheets to form a receptacle, then the receptacle can be formed, but adhesive contamination may occur and transformation back to a label becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes adhesive joints from the cup sheet assembly process. Instead of using adhesive to join cup sheets, the invention uses a foldable construction where the cup sheet is folded along predefined lines to form the receptacle shape, eliminating the source of adhesive contamination entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the adhesive bonding mechanism with a mechanical folding mechanism. The cup sheet is designed with fold lines that allow it to be collapsed into a compact label form and unfolded into a receptacle form through mechanical folding actions, eliminating the need for adhesive chemicals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cup sheets are physically separated from the label frame, then cup formation is enabled, but aesthetic and commercial utilities are lost after removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the entire label structure multi-functional. The label frame itself is designed to be foldable and transformable, not just the cup sheets. This allows the label to serve dual purposes: as a commercial advertising element when flat and as a functional receptacle when unfolded, eliminating the need to separate cup sheets from the frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the label frame and cup sheets into a single integrated structure where the frame itself forms the receptacle walls. This integration ensures that when the structure is unfolded, the entire label becomes the receptacle, preserving all aesthetic and commercial elements while enabling cup formation functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the label is transformed fully from a label to a leak-proof receptacle, then reuse capability is improved, but transformation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the label into segments defined by fold lines that create distinct panels and sections. This segmentation allows the label to be systematically folded and unfolded in a controlled manner, simplifying the transformation process while enabling full reversibility between label and receptacle forms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the label with dynamic fold lines and flexible panels that allow easy transformation between states. The structure is designed to be collapsible into a compact label form and expandable into a full-size receptacle through simple folding actions, making the transformation process user-friendly and repeatable.
4Reliability
If adhesive is applied to fixation tabs to form a watertight cup, then leak-proof performance is achieved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes adhesive from the cup formation process entirely. Instead of applying adhesive to fixation tabs, the invention uses a foldable cup sheet design where the watertight seal is created through the folded geometry and interlocking of panels, eliminating the source of adhesive contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces adhesive bonding with mechanical interlocking through the folded structure. The cup sheet is folded along precise lines to create a watertight seal through the mechanical arrangement of panels, eliminating the need for adhesive chemicals that could contaminate the liquid.
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 provides a portable, self-contained hydration solution that maintains advertising functionality, is easy to use, and minimizes thickness while ensuring leak-proof performance, enabling multiple uses and reattachment to a container without adhesive contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The front and back panels are joined by a pair of first seams. The front and back panels are separately joined to the bottom panel by a second seam. The first and second seams prevent leakage of the liquid from the receptacle in the second configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable label assembly including a container capable of storing or holding a liquid and a front panel, a back panel, a bottom panel, and optional side panels configured primarily as a label and secondarily as a receptacle capable of holding the liquid separate from the container is presented. In some embodiments, the bottom panel includes a fold. The bottom and optional side panels are disposed between and substantially parallel to the front panel and back panels in a first configuration to form a label attached to and separable from the container. The front and back panels are separable and the bottom and optional side panels are expandable to form a receptacle in a second configuration after the label is separated from the container. In other embodiments, the back panel includes a fold. The side and back panels are disposed between and substantially parallel to the front panel and bottom panel in a first configuration to form a label. The front and bottom panels are separable and the side and back panels are expandable to form a receptacle in a second configuration. The side panels may include additional folds facilitating transformation from a label to a receptacle and from a receptacle to a label.