Closed-Loop Wrapping Structure Using Folded Flexible Material

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for wrapping articles, such as stretch-wrapping with plastic film, are burdensome for disposal, environmentally damaging, and require external tensioning apparatuses, making them costly and unsustainable.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the formation of a closed-loop structure using flexible material and optionally a flat and rigid element, which is folded and attached to enclose articles, providing tension and a tight wrap without external apparatuses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If plastic film is used for stretch-wrapping, then the articles are stabilized and wrapped tightly, but disposal is burdensome and environmental damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestabilization of articlesVSAvoidenvironmental damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from plastic film to paper-based flexible material, transforming the wrapping material from non-biodegradable to environmentally friendly while maintaining the stabilization function through the closed-loop structure and folding mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses disposable paper-based wrapping material that can be easily discarded and naturally decomposes, replacing durable plastic film that causes environmental pollution, thus solving the disposal burden and environmental damage issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If plastic film is used for wrapping, then the articles are enclosed securely, but the film requires external tensioning apparatus which increases cost and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure enclosure of articlesVSAvoidexternal tensioning apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a self-tensioning mechanism where the flexible material is folded back along the rigid element to create inherent tension, eliminating the need for external tensioning apparatus while achieving secure enclosure of articles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using external apparatus to apply tension to the wrapping material, the patent inverts the approach by having the wrapping material itself generate tension through its folded configuration, where the flexible material is folded back to create the tightening force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If plastic film is used for wrapping, then the articles are stabilized during transport, but the film is not renewable and eco-sustainability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestabilization during transportVSAvoideco-sustainability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material composition parameter from petrochemical plastic to renewable paper-based materials, maintaining the stabilization function during transport while improving eco-sustainability through biodegradability and renewability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method eliminates the need for external tensioning, reduces plastic usage, and allows for easy recycling of materials, enhancing eco-sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

folding the closed-loop structure either along the at least one flat and rigid element attached on the first face of the length of flexible material, if the at least one flat and rigid element is present, or along at least one of the parts of the support to which said ends of the length of flexible material are attached, and attaching a folded portion of the closed-loop structure to an adjacent surface of the closed-loop structure, so as said closed-loop structure tightly wraps said plurality of articles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250136310A1Method for wrapping a plurality of articles

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 DS SMITH PACKAGING LTD

AI summary

A method for wrapping articles involves forming a closed-loop structure by attaching on a first face of a length of flexible material a face of a flat and rigid element and by attaching an opposite face of the flat and rigid element to a second face of an end portion of the length of flexible material, so as the closed-loop structure is a closed-loop cover carrying the flat and rigid element, or by attaching both ends of a length of flexible material to respective parts of a support, so as the closed-loop structure is formed by a sequential assembly of the length of flexible material and the support. The method further involves enclosing the articles, folding the closed-loop structure along the flat and rigid element, if present, or along parts of the support, and attaching a folded portion of the closed-loop structure to an adjacent external surface of the closed-loop structure.