Multilayer Barrier Packaging for Abrasive Articles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Resin bonded abrasive articles, such as cut-off wheels, experience performance degradation due to exposure to environmental conditions during shipment and storage, particularly in humid environments, as conventional packaging materials like cardboard and shrink wrap allow air and moisture transfer, leading to fluctuations in environmental exposure.

Innovation Solution

A packaging system utilizing a flexible multilayer barrier composite with a water vapor transmission rate less than 0.5 grams per 645 square centimeters per 24 hours, which includes materials like aluminum, polyethylene, and nylon, to create a sealed environment that protects resin bonded abrasive articles from environmental fluctuations, maintaining a dry condition and preserving their performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional packaging materials like cardboard or shrink wrap are used, then packaging cost and ease of manufacture are improved, but moisture barrier performance deteriorates allowing environmental fluctuations to affect the abrasive article

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture exposureVSAvoidpackaging structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a multilayer composite packaging structure consisting of an inner moisture barrier layer (such as aluminum foil or vapor barrier plastic) and an outer protective layer (such as cardboard or shrink wrap). This composite structure combines the excellent moisture barrier properties of the inner layer with the mechanical strength and cost-effectiveness of the outer layer, effectively preventing moisture exposure while maintaining packaging simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes flexible moisture barrier films and foils that can conform to the shape of abrasive articles while providing superior moisture protection. These thin film barriers are integrated into the packaging structure to create an effective moisture barrier without significantly increasing packaging complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Duration of action of stationary object

If extended storage in humid conditions occurs, then storage duration is improved, but abrasive article performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage durationVSAvoidabrasive article performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a moisture-controlled environment within the packaging by using moisture barrier materials that prevent humid external conditions from reaching the abrasive article. This effectively isolates the abrasive article in a stable, inert atmospheric environment that preserves performance during extended storage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging structure is designed with pre-integrated moisture barrier layers that provide protection before any moisture exposure occurs. The barrier properties are built into the packaging structure itself, ensuring immediate protection upon packaging without requiring additional protective measures during storage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 packaging system effectively sustains the performance of resin bonded abrasive articles under uncontrolled environmental conditions and during extended storage, maintaining their effectiveness and longevity.

Implementation Method 1

The sidewall comprises a multilayer barrier composite having an inner surface proximate the enclosed volume, an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and a water vapor transmission rate that is less than 0.5 grams per 645 square centimeters (100 square inches) per 24 hours

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWater vapor transmission resistance: Permeation

Data Source

PatentUS7661247B2Abrasive article packaging and method of making same
Publication Date: 2010.02.16 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • US7661247B2 patent drawing
  • US7661247B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for packaging resin bonded molded abrasive articles having a flexible package comprising at least one sidewall defining an enclosed volume and at least one resin bonded abrasive article positioned within the enclosed volume. The sidewall comprises a multilayer barrier composite having a water vapor transmission rate that is less than 0.5 grams per 645 square centimeters (100 square inches) per 24 hours.