Absorbent Thermoplastic Bag Lining for Tear-Induced Liquid Leaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoplastic bags used as liners in refuse containers often leak liquids due to punctures or tears, causing spills and contamination.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a superabsorbent polymer into the thermoplastic bags that forms a gel or paste with high viscosity upon contact with liquid, preventing leakage through tears or holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If thermoplastic bags are made from low-cost, pliable thermoplastic material, then manufacturing cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but liquid leakage through punctures or tears occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining thermoplastic material with superabsorbent polymer particles. The thermoplastic provides structural integrity and pliability, while the superabsorbent polymer particles (comprising at least 50% by weight of the coating composition) provide liquid absorption capabilities. This composite structure allows the bag to maintain its low-cost, easy-to-manufacture thermoplastic base while adding leak-prevention functionality through the polymer coating layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a differentiated structure where the interior surface of the thermoplastic bag is coated with superabsorbent polymer particles, while the bulk thermoplastic material retains its original properties. This localized modification means that only the areas most susceptible to liquid contact (the interior surface) are enhanced with absorption capabilities, preserving the overall ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness of the thermoplastic material while providing targeted leak prevention.
2Reliability
If absorbent materials are added to prevent liquid leakage, then liquid containment reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes porous materials by incorporating superabsorbent polymer particles that possess porous structures capable of absorbing and retaining liquids. These particles form a coating on the interior surface of the thermoplastic bag, creating a porous layer that can trap liquids through capillary action and absorption, thereby preventing leakage without requiring complex structural modifications to the bag itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface properties of the thermoplastic bag through the addition of superabsorbent polymer particles. This changes the absorption parameter of the bag material from low (typical of thermoplastics) to high (characteristic of superabsorbent polymers), enabling leak prevention while maintaining the simple overall bag structure and manufacturing process.
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 superabsorbent polymer effectively absorbs and retains liquids, forming a high-viscosity gel that inhibits further flow and leakage, enhancing containment within the bag.
Implementation Method 1
the superabsorbent polymer can mix with the liquid to form a gel or paste that has a high viscosity, thereby inhibiting flow of the liquid
Implementation Method 2
the superabsorbent polymer can mix with the liquid to form a gel or paste that has a high viscosity, thereby inhibiting flow of the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to thermoplastic bags with liquid absorption capabilities. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the disclosed thermoplastic bags include a first sidewall and a second sidewall joined together along a first side edge, a second side edge, and a bottom edge, while having an opening opposite the bottom edge. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the disclosed thermoplastic bags have an absorbent adhesive material disposed on at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall. In some embodiments, the absorbent adhesive material is configured to absorb twenty to fifty milliliters of liquid while maintaining a viscosity above fifteen thousand centipoises.