Microscope Slide Relabeling With a Removable Cover Label
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Solution Overview
Problem
Relabeling microscope slides to accommodate new barcodes while preserving existing information is time-consuming and error-prone, often requiring manual dexterity and varying barcode placements, and the need for a flexible, removable label solution exists.
Innovation Solution
A label system comprising a cover label portion that covers existing identifications, a main label portion with separable components, and optional transparent shields, allowing for selective obscuring and re-exposing of barcodes, with wireless communication capabilities and adhesive properties for easy application and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a single label is used to both cover existing barcodes and provide new identification, then the label can obscure original information, but the label cannot be selectively removed to restore original identification
Solution Approach 1:
The label system is divided into two distinct portions: a cover label portion that obscures the original barcode and a main label portion that provides new identification. The cover label portion can be selectively removed to restore visibility of the original barcode, while the main label portion remains to provide continuous identification. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing selective removal of only the covering portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover label portion is designed to be placed over and partially integrated with the main label portion, creating a nested structure where the cover portion can be removed without completely detaching the entire label system. This nesting allows the cover portion to be selectively removed while maintaining the main label's attachment to the substrate.
2Reliability
If manual relabeling is performed to ensure compatibility with digital scanners, then new identification can be added, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The label system is pre-configured with both the cover label portion and main label portion in a single integrated structure. The cover portion is pre-positioned to align with the original barcode location, and the main label portion contains pre-printed identification data in the required format. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for manual positioning and data entry during the relabeling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of covering the original barcode and providing new identification into a single label application step. Both portions are applied simultaneously in one operation, combining multiple manual tasks (covering original barcode, positioning new label, printing new barcode) into a single automated or semi-automated process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the barcode placement location is varied to accommodate different facilities, then compatibility is improved, but the label design becomes less standardized
Solution Approach 1:
The label system is designed with universal dimensions and placement requirements that can accommodate different facility specifications. The cover label portion is sized and shaped to effectively cover barcodes regardless of their specific location, while the main label portion provides a standardized new identification format that meets various facility requirements. This universal design maintains consistency in the label structure while adapting to different placement needs.
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
Facilitates efficient, error-free relabeling of microscope slides with adaptable barcode placement, ensuring compatibility across facilities and maintaining original information integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive layer on a second surface of the facestock
Data Source
AI summary
A label for matrix tube may have a facestock configured to have data on a first surface thereof. An adhesive layer may be on a second surface of the facestock. The facestock may define an cover label portion, a main label portion and a neck portion between the cover label portion and the main label portion, the neck portion being narrower than the cover label portion and the main label portion. A method for applying a label onto a matrix tube may also be provided.