Biodegradable Bag Fastener With Slit-Locking Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing twist-tie fasteners, commonly used in grocery stores for sealing bags, pose disposal challenges and require improvements for environmental sustainability, especially in high-use environments.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable fastener with discrete slits along its elongate body that interlock when twisted, replacing the need for a malleable wire, and is manufactured using biocompatible and biodegradable materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional twist-tie fasteners are used, then secure closure is achieved, but disposal becomes problematic due to non-biodegradable materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters from traditional non-biodegradable wire and plastic combinations to biodegradable materials such as coated ferrous wire, stainless steel with biodegradable coatings, or entirely organic materials. This parameter change maintains the mechanical functionality while eliminating environmental harm from disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures where biodegradable coatings are applied over metal cores, or where natural fibers are combined with biodegradable polymers. These composite structures provide the necessary mechanical strength for secure closure while ensuring biodegradability for environmentally friendly disposal.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If biodegradable materials are used, then environmental friendliness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fastener into distinct functional components: a structural core providing mechanical strength and biodegradable outer layers providing environmental compatibility. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using optimized processes and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses biodegradable coating layers as intermediary elements between the metal core and the environment. These coatings can be applied using standard industrial coating techniques and then degrade naturally, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving environmental friendliness.
3Reliability
If discrete slits are added to the elongate body, then locking mechanism is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces discrete slits that segment the elongate body into interconnected regions. These slits are strategically positioned and sized to create locking engagement points when twisted, while the remaining material maintains sufficient structural integrity through the elongate body's overall geometry and material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the slit features in specific regions of the elongate body where locking functionality is needed, while maintaining solid, uninterrupted material in other regions to preserve structural strength. The slits create localized locking zones without compromising the overall structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener includes an elongate body defined by a first end, a second end, a first side portion, and a second side portion. The elongate body includes a plurality of discrete slits along at least the first side portion, and the plurality of slits extend at least partially into the elongate body of the fastener. The elongate body of the fastener includes a biodegradable material.