Shrinkable Self-Adhesive Label with Tear Weakening for Cap Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-adhesive labels and cap seals for aerosol cans require separate production stages and materials, leading to increased costs and inventory needs, as they are typically printed and applied separately, with different materials used for each component.

Innovation Solution

A self-adhesive label made from a single shrinkable material with a tear weakening line separating the receptacle and cap sections, where the receptacle section is adhesive and the cap section is not, allowing for a single-step application and shrinking process, reducing material needs and simplifying production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate materials are used for the label and cap seal, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the production complexity and inventory requirements increase due to needing separate stocks and production stages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the label and cap seal into a single integrated label structure that includes both a receptacle portion for the body and a cap portion for the cap. This single label is applied in one operation, eliminating the need for separate production stages and inventory management for separate components, while still providing the distinct functions of labeling and sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the entire label is made from shrinkable material, then the cap seal can be effectively shrunk for secure sealing, but the receptacle portion may also shrink causing potential distortion or misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidlabel alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The label is constructed with different material properties in different zones: the cap portion is made from heat-shrinkable material to provide effective sealing when shrunk, while the receptacle portion is made from non-shrinkable or minimally shrinkable material to maintain dimensional stability and proper alignment during application and on the container body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If adhesive is applied to the entire back of the label, then the label adheres well to the receptacle body, but the cap seal cannot be properly removed along the tear line

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidcap removal
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Adhesive is applied selectively only to the receptacle portion of the label where it contacts the container body, ensuring strong adhesion for labeling purposes. The cap portion is deliberately left without adhesive or with neutralized adhesive, allowing the tear line to function properly for cap seal removal while the label remains securely attached to the receptacle body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If multiple separate labels are used for receptacle and cap, then each can be independently optimized and applied, but the production time and number of production stages increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent optimizationVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the receptacle label and cap seal into a single continuous label structure that can be printed, prepared, and applied in one operation. This unified approach eliminates multiple production stages and handling steps while maintaining the ability to provide distinct functions and information areas for both the receptacle and cap portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables a cost-effective, single-step application and storage of labels, with enhanced printing possibilities and space for information, while ensuring a secure cap seal that can be easily removed without damaging the label.

Implementation Method 1

the entire label is manufactured from a material that is shrinkable... whereby the section that is intended as a cap seal is placed around and over the edges of the cap by shrinking this section, for example by local heating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentEP2654032B1Self-adhesive label for a receptacle with a cap and a receptacle provided with such a label.
Publication Date: 2018.06.06 REYNDERS ETIKETTEN
  • EP2654032B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2654032B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2654032B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Self-adhesive label that comprises a section (3) to be placed around the receptacle (5) and comprises a section (7) to be placed around the cap (6) as a cap seal, and which are separated from one another by a tear weakening (2), whereby the section (3) to be placed around the receptacle (5) is provided with an adhesive (13) on at least a part of the back (12), in order to stick the label (1) to the receptacle, while the section (7) that is intended as a cap seal is not adhesive on the back (12), and whereby at least this section (7) of the label (1) is manufactured from a material that is shrinkable.