Adhesive Tape Flat Profile Packaging via Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost of packaging and shipping reflective adhesive tapes is a significant issue, as the expenses exceed the cost of the tapes themselves, and existing methods like coiling or folding do not adequately address this economic concern.

Innovation Solution

The adhesive tape is folded upon itself into a flat profile with specific folds and secured using a wrap or dowels, allowing it to be packaged in standard mailing envelopes, reducing shipping costs and preventing creasing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesive tape is coiled around a center core or folded into a ribbon pattern, then the tape can be packaged and shipped, but the packaging and shipping costs exceed the cost of the tape itself

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetape protection during shippingVSAvoidshipping cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The tape is divided into sections and folded into a compact flat profile rather than being coiled or ribboned, allowing it to be segmented for efficient envelope placement and reducing overall package size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tape is folded into a flat two-dimensional profile that can be inserted into standard mailing envelopes, transitioning from a three-dimensional coiled or ribbon form to a compressed flat structure that optimizes postal shipping dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of energy

If adhesive tape is folded into a compact form, then shipping costs are reduced, but the tape may become creased or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshipping costVSAvoidcreasing and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Release paper is placed between layers of the folded tape to provide cushioning and protection before shipping, preventing creases and damage to the adhesive surface while maintaining the compact flat profile

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The release paper acts as an intermediary layer between the tape layers, protecting the adhesive surface from direct contact and potential damage during the folding and shipping process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11370943B1Machinable enveloping of adhesive tape with a backing layer

Publication Date: 2022.06.28 PETER GOLD

AI summary

An adhesive tape with a backing layer is longitudinally folded upon itself, creating an approximately 180-degree angle at each of two ends of the tape, and a first longitudinal section of multiple layers of the adhesive tape and a second longitudinal section of multiple layers of the adhesive tape such that the first section is positioned above and parallel to the second section. The folding does not crease the tape at either end of the tape. The first longitudinal section and second longitudinal section are maintained in contact or close proximity via a piece of tape, clip, rubber band, or other means, such that the adhesive tape is maintained in a flat profile. The adhesive tape in its flat profile can then be easily inserted into a United States first class letter-sized mailing envelope.