Removable IML Label for Integrated Utensil Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food packaging lids lack integrated utensils, and the manufacturing process for adding labels often involves adhesives that can migrate into food, posing risks and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A plastic lid with a removable label applied via In Mold Labeling (IML) that incorporates a utensil, using different materials for the label and lid to prevent adhesion and migration, with a pre-cut line for easy removal, allowing the utensil to be accessed by pulling on a grip tab.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If adhesives are used to apply labels to lids, then labels can be securely attached, but material migration into foodstuff occurs and food safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the adhesive substance from the labeling process. Instead of using adhesives to attach labels, the invention uses IML technology where the label material itself is thermally bonded to the lid during injection molding, eliminating the need for separate adhesive materials that could migrate into food.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces heat as an intermediary mechanism to bond the label to the lid. During IML processing, the label material is heated and injected onto the lid surface, creating a thermal bond without requiring chemical adhesives. This intermediary thermal energy enables secure attachment while avoiding harmful chemical substances.
2Ease of operation
If removable labels are used to provide access to utensils, then user convenience is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the label into multiple parts: a removable portion covering the utensil access area and a fixed portion remaining on the lid. This segmentation allows the label to serve dual functions - providing information when attached and revealing utensils when partially removed. The pre-cut separation lines enable clean division between removable and fixed sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-cut separation lines and grip tabs into the label during the manufacturing process itself. These features are prepared in advance during IML labeling, so that users can easily remove the appropriate portion without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. The grip tabs are pre-formed to facilitate effortless removal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If utensils are integrated into the lid, then packaging functionality is enhanced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the utensil integration with the IML labeling process. During the same injection molding operation that applies the label, the utensil is also injected into the lid structure. This combining of operations eliminates the need for separate utensil attachment steps, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost despite adding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the lid multi-functional by integrating utensils directly into its structure. The lid serves both its traditional purpose of sealing and protecting the container, and additionally provides built-in utensils for food access. This universality is achieved through the IML process that can simultaneously create both the label and utensil features in a single manufacturing step.
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 cost-effective way to integrate utensils into food packaging lids without adhesives, ensuring food safety and convenience by allowing users to access the utensils easily while maintaining the lid's functionality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
plastic material, heated to a pasty state, is injected into the mold in such a way that the label can cover the outer face of the lid
Data Source
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AI summary
The cover (300) has a wall (310) covered by a label (200) positioned by an in mold labeling method, where the cover is made of plastic material i.e. polypropylene. The label is made of a material different from the material of the cover such that the label is removable. The label covers a slot (330) in which an utensil (340) e.g. fork, is placed. The label is formed of a central part (211) placed between side parts (212a, 212b). A pull tab (220) is arranged in the central part of the label.