Shrinkable Label with Curved Edge for Irregular Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labeling technologies require two separate units for applying front and back labels, limiting graphic design options and increasing costs, especially when using wrap-around labeling which often necessitates hot gluing or UV gluing, and are not adaptable to containers with irregular shapes.
Innovation Solution
A label with four side edges, where two side edges can be joined and extend along a predetermined line deviating from the shortest geometric connecting line, made of shrinkable material with an adhesive coating, allowing for both shrinking and gluing processes to ensure large-area labeling on containers with curved or irregular surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If wrap-around labeling is used to apply large-area labels, then the label coverage area is improved, but the requirement for hot gluing or UV gluing increases complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the label material from rigid to flexible by using shrinkable material that transitions under heat application. This allows the label to conform to container surfaces without requiring complex gluing mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between large coverage area and process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical gluing system (hot gluing or UV gluing equipment) with a thermal shrinking system. The shrinkable material adheres to the container through shrinkage force generated by heat application, eliminating the need for complex gluing devices and reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If two separate labeling units are used to apply front and back labels, then labeling completeness is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the function of multiple labeling units into a single wrap-around labeling unit. The continuous label strip applies both front and back labels in one operation, eliminating the need for separate labeling units while maintaining labeling completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The single labeling unit is designed with multi-functionality to apply labels to both front and back surfaces of containers. The wrap-around label strip serves multiple purposes: covering the front surface, wrapping around the container, and covering the back surface, making one unit perform the work of multiple units
3Ease of manufacture
If classic shrink labels with straight side edges are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to irregular container shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic adaptability to the label structure through shrinkable material properties. The label transitions from a static flat state during application to a dynamic conforming state during shrinking, allowing it to adapt to various container shapes including irregular curves while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the label material to enable shape adaptation. The shrinkable material's dimensional stability changes under heat application, allowing the label to stretch and conform to irregular container surfaces while being manufactured with simple straight edges
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 efficient application of large-area labels on containers with minimal distortion, reducing the need for expensive machines and preventing folds, while allowing for precise adaptation to container contours using a combined shrinking and gluing process.
Implementation Method 1
the labels being shrunk after labeling by means of hot air or steam
Implementation Method 2
The label according to the invention has an adhesive coating in at least one section
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~3
AI summary
The label (1) has a set of side edges (1a, 1c) joined together, and another set of side edges (1b, 1d) extending between the former side edges. The label is manufactured from a shrinkable material, and one of the latter side edges extends along a preset extension line (E) and has a curved section. The extension line deviates from a short geometrical connection line (G) between the former side edges. Adhesive coating (8) is provided in a longitudinal direction (L) of the label in an initial region (4) and/or an end region (5). Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a container (2) a method for attachment of labels on the container (3) a device for attachment of the labels on the container.