Single-Substrate Removable Label with Abhesive Ink Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing removable labels and labels with removable sections face issues such as excess layers and adhesives, tearing, and inconsistent perforations, leading to increased costs and poor quality of removable sections.
Innovation Solution
A label design featuring a single substrate with a unique ink formulation and abhesive layers, along with a perforating apparatus providing consistent perforations, addresses the issues of tearing and bulkiness by ensuring the removable section can be easily detached without damaging the indicia or substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two substrates are used in removable labels, then the label can be removed from the article, but the bulk of the label increases and materials cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the carrier substrate and label substrate into a single integrated substrate structure. The pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied directly to this single substrate, eliminating the need for separate carrier and label substrates. This integration maintains the removable functionality while reducing label bulk and material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate carrier substrate from the traditional two-substrate label structure. By using a single substrate with pressure-sensitive adhesive directly applied to it, the design removes unnecessary layers while preserving the core functionality of removable attachment to the article.
2Ease of operation
If two substrates with different adhesives are used, then the label can be removed, but the label complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple adhesives into a single pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. This single adhesive provides both the initial attachment to the article and the controlled removability, eliminating the need for multiple adhesive types and the complexity of applying and coordinating different adhesives on separate substrates.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-sensitive adhesive performs multiple functions: it provides initial bonding to the article, allows for controlled removal, and maintains label integrity throughout the process. This multi-functional adhesive replaces the need for multiple specialized adhesives, simplifying both label structure and manufacturing.
3Strength
If strong adhesive is used to bond the label to the article, then the label stays attached, but the label becomes difficult to remove and may tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the unique properties of pressure-sensitive adhesive, which provides strong initial bonding through pressure application but allows for controlled removal through peeling forces. The adhesive parameters (tack, bond strength, peel resistance) are specifically selected to achieve both strong attachment and easy removability, resolving the contradiction between adhesion strength and ease of removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The label system transitions from a static strong bond to a dynamic removable bond through the application of peeling force. The pressure-sensitive adhesive allows the label to remain firmly attached during normal use but becomes easily removable when subjected to appropriate removal forces, providing dynamic bonding behavior that satisfies both strong attachment and ease of removal requirements.
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 results in a cost-effective, high-quality removable label that maintains indicia integrity and consistency in perforations, reducing material waste and operational complexities.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure-sensitive adhesive applied on the opposite side thereof. The pressure-sensitive adhesive forms a bond between the label and an article when pressure is applied in order to adhere the label to the article
Implementation Method 2
an abhesive layer disposed proximal to the back side of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A label that is removable from the article with which it is associated, or includes a removable section thereof, and includes only a single substrate. The substrate has a front side and a back side, and an ink disposed on the back side of the substrate, which remains with the substrate during removal of the substrate, or a section thereof, from an article. The label further includes an abhesive disposed adjacent the ink on the back side of the substrate. The label may have at least one set of perforations to provide a removable section of the label. These perforations may be provided by an apparatus for providing consistent perforations.