Single-Piece Tag Activation via Substrate Folding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-expiring tags require assembly of two parts, making them difficult to activate in field or remote operations where auxiliary hardware or hands are limited.
Innovation Solution
A single piece tag design where a reactant is applied to a substrate, with a release liner separating it from another reactant, allowing activation by folding the substrate to expose the adhesive and initiate a time-dependent color change process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two-part tag design is used, then the self-expiring function is achieved, but the activation process becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate reactants into a single tag structure. The first reactant is applied to the substrate and the second reactant is applied to the release liner, which is then attached to the substrate. This merging allows both reactants to be present in one component while remaining separated by the release liner until activation, resolving the contradiction between achieving the self-expiring function and maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The release liner serves as an intermediary between the two reactants. It holds the second reactant and separates it from the first reactant on the substrate. The release liner can be removed or torn away to allow the reactants to contact and initiate the color-changing process, providing a simple activation mechanism that maintains ease of operation while ensuring the self-expiring function works reliably.
2Reliability
If two separate parts are used, then the reactants can be kept separate, but the tag becomes difficult to work with and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the substrate containing the first reactant and the release liner containing the second reactant into a single integrated tag component. This allows the reactants to remain separated during storage and handling while being part of one easy-to-manage unit, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable reactant separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The release liner is pre-prepared with the second reactant applied to it before attachment to the substrate. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the tag is assembled, the reactants are already in their correct positions and separated by the release liner, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining the integrity of the separate reactant system.
3Ease of operation
If full release liner is removed, then the second reactant is exposed, but the tag cannot be properly activated
Solution Approach 1:
The release liner is segmented or partially removed rather than completely removed. This allows the second reactant to be exposed in the specific area needed for activation while maintaining the structural integrity of the tag. The segmented approach ensures proper activation occurs at the intended location without compromising the overall tag function.
Solution Approach 2:
The release liner removal is applied locally rather than globally. Only the portion of the release liner covering the area where reactant contact is needed is removed or torn away. This local quality approach ensures that the second reactant is exposed exactly where needed for activation while leaving other portions of the release liner intact to maintain tag structure and prevent unintended activation elsewhere.
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 easy activation and use of self-expiring tags in field operations without additional equipment, ensuring secure and tamper-indicating functionality, preventing reuse by changing color after a predetermined time.
Implementation Method 1
The time dependant color-changing process or function employed in all of the embodiments described herein is a well-known technology
Data Source
AI summary
A single piece tag includes a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface. A first reactant is applied to the first surface. A first portion of the first reactant is covered by a first release liner. A second reactant is applied to the first release liner which separates the second reactant from the first reactant. A second release liner adjacent the first release liner covers a second portion of the first reactant. The tag is activated by removing the second release liner from the tag to expose the second portion of the adhesive, and the substrate is folded onto itself to contact the second reactant on the first release liner with the first reactant.