Stackable Bag Closure via Adhesive and Non-Stick Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing stacks of flexible packaging bags are inefficient for high-productivity needs, particularly when bags require adhesive closure, as manual handling is delicate and generates waste, and existing solutions only allow for temporary or repositionable glue applications.

Innovation Solution

A method and machine that apply a non-stick layer and a layer of pressure-sensitive glue to the bags, enabling temporary or permanent closure, allowing bags to be opened and closed multiple times, with the glue adhering to the adjacent bag's wall after detachment, facilitating easy handling and reuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual handling is used to remove protective strips and close bags, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity is low and waste is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing speedVSAvoidmanual handling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective strip is pre-applied to the adhesive layer during bag formation, so that when the bag is removed from the stack, the adhesive is already protected and ready for use. This eliminates the need for manual strip removal and prepares the bag for immediate closure operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bag structure itself provides the protective function through the integrated protective strip, eliminating the need for separate manual protection steps. The bag closes itself by pressing the tab against the adhesive, which is already prepared and protected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If repositionable glue is used, then ease of operation is improved for multiple openings, but closure security is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereusabilityVSAvoidclosure security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive layer's properties are changed based on the operational phase: during stacking, the adhesive remains inactive under the protective strip; during use, the protective strip is removed to activate the adhesive; after use, the tab can be repositioned. This parameter change enables both security and reusability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The protective strip acts as an intermediary that controls adhesive activation. It protects the adhesive during storage and transport, then is removed to activate the adhesive for closure, and can be repositioned for subsequent uses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If permanent glue is used, then closure security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for repeated openings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure securityVSAvoidreusability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective strip is applied in advance to prevent premature adhesive activation. This allows the adhesive to remain permanent and secure during storage, then be activated only when needed through protective strip removal, enabling repeated use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The protective strip serves as a mediator that controls when the permanent adhesive becomes active. It protects the adhesive during stacking and transport, then is removed to activate the adhesive for closure, allowing the bag to be opened and closed multiple times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If protective strip removal is performed manually, then flexibility is maintained, but loss of substance increases due to waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidprotective strip waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The protective strip is pre-applied to the adhesive layer during bag formation, so that when the bag is removed from the stack, the adhesive is already protected and ready for use. This eliminates the need for manual strip removal and prepares the bag for immediate closure operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bag structure itself provides the protective function through the integrated protective strip, eliminating the need for separate manual protection steps. The bag closes itself by pressing the tab against the adhesive, which is already prepared and protected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution enhances productivity by allowing bags to be easily opened and closed without manual glue release operations, reducing waste, and providing secure closure options, improving handling and reuse capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a non-stick layer (91) on the first wall (11) of a first bag (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNon-stick layer (release layer): Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a layer of glue (92) ensuring a temporary connection with the non-stick layer (91) and which also adheres to the second wall (12) of the bag adjacent to the first bag (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3710242B1Method and machine for producing a stack of bags
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 HOLWEG GRP
  • EP3710242B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3710242B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Bags are produced and a stack of bags is then formed from said bags. To this end, a casing is formed with a strip of flexible material, a portion of the casing (1b) at the front of the casing is separated by forming a first tab (13) at the rear of the portion of casing, the first tab (13) extending a first wall (11) of the portion beyond the end of a second wall (12) adjacent to the first wall (11), a bag (10) is formed with each portion of the casing, and a stack (P, P') of bags (10) is formed, the first wall (11) of a first of the bags (10) lying against the second wall (12) of an adjacent second bag (10). An anti-adhesive layer (91) is applied to the first wall (11) of the first bag (10) and a layer of glue (92) is applied to the second wall (12) of the second bag (10) in order to provide a temporary connection to the anti-adhesive layer (91).