Selective Adhesion Label with Radiant Energy Masking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for producing extended content labels require delamination and relamination of adhesive assemblies, leading to limited line speed, equipment complexity, contamination risks, and maintenance challenges, as well as the need for specialized operators and equipment configuration.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a transparent face layer with extended content printed on the front side, where a mask is applied to cover the adhesive layer, and radiant energy is used to reduce adhesion selectively, allowing the label to be peeled without delamination, with the release liner remaining in place throughout the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional delamination and relamination methods are used to produce extended content labels, then the labels can be manufactured with extended content on the back side, but the production line speed is limited and equipment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidproduction line speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive layer is pre-configured with selective adhesion properties during the initial labeling process. The system applies adhesive to specific regions of the label in advance, creating zones of different adhesion strength that enable subsequent selective peeling without requiring delamination and relamination operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive layer is designed with spatially varying adhesion characteristics. Certain regions of the adhesive layer have higher adhesion strength to remain bonded, while other regions have lower adhesion strength to allow peeling. This local differentiation of adhesive properties enables the extended content reveal function without complex manufacturing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If delamination and relamination operations are performed, then extended content can be accessed on the back side of the label, but equipment complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel functionalityVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive configuration is established in advance during label application, creating the functional structure needed for extended content access. The system pre-defines which adhesive regions will remain bonded and which will allow peeling, eliminating the need for subsequent delamination and relamination equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the delamination and relamination operations from the manufacturing process entirely. By using adhesive with selective adhesion properties, the system removes the need for complex mechanical equipment that would otherwise be required to separate and reattach label layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If the adhesive layer is exposed during delamination and relamination, then the label can be reconfigured for extended content, but contamination risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess flexibilityVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive layer configuration is finalized before the label is exposed to the environment. The selective adhesion pattern is established in advance during the labeling operation, so the adhesive remains protected and does not require exposure to equipment or operators during subsequent processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potential harm of adhesive exposure into a benefit by designing the adhesive to have inherent selective adhesion properties. The adhesive's chemical composition or physical structure is configured to naturally create zones of different bond strength, turning what would be a contamination risk into a functional feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 eliminates the need for delamination and relamination, reduces equipment complexity, minimizes contamination risks, and allows for easier production with reduced operational requirements, while maintaining the visibility of extended content when the label is peeled.

Implementation Method 1

the adhesive layer undergoes a reduction in adhesion upon exposure to a sufficient amount of radiant energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiant energy exposure reducing adhesion:

Data Source

PatentUS10997875B2Clear extended content label with selectively detackified adhesive

Publication Date: 2021.05.04 AVERY DENNISON CORP

AI summary

Methods of preparing extended content labels from prefabricated adhesive assemblies are described. The methods do not require delamination or relamination of the prefabricated adhesive assemblies. The prefabricated adhesive assemblies include a transparent face layer and an adhesive layer sensitive to radiant energy. Extended content printing is applied to a front face of the face layer. A mask is positioned between the adhesive layer and a radiant energy source. Radiant energy not blocked by the mask reduces the adhesion of irradiated portions of the adhesive layer. A floodcoat is applied over the extended content indicia, and front side indicia is applied over the floodcoat and is visible through the face layer and adhesive layer from a back side of the face layer.