Cohesive Paper Packing Curls for Transit Cushioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paper-based packing materials, such as coils and crumpled paper, are impractical for cushioning variously-shaped items due to their size and lack of cohesive structure, leading to unpacking difficulties and ineffective protection during transit.
Innovation Solution
A paper-based packing product formed as curls or spirals with a cohesive side facing outward, allowing them to clump together and adhere to items, providing structural integrity and cushioning without filling the entire cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If paper is converted into low density packing material as shown in prior art patents, then cushioning capability is improved, but the product becomes too large and impractical to form around variously-shaped items without additional manipulating or cutting steps
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous coil of cushioning material is segmented into individualized portions with predetermined sizes and shapes. Each portion is self-contained and can be easily handled, eliminating the need for additional cutting or manipulating steps while maintaining cushioning effectiveness for variously-shaped items.
2Reliability
If prior art packing products are used, then cushioning is provided, but they cannot form a cohesive mass around items, creating only a loose assemblage that shifts and moves during transit
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individualized portions of cushioning material are combined to form a cohesive mass around the item. The portions are designed to interlock or adhere together, creating a stable, unified structure that prevents shifting and moving during transit while maintaining cushioning protection.
3Productivity
If conventional packing materials like plastic peanuts or air-filled pillows are used, then packing efficiency is improved, but environmental sustainability deteriorates due to non-biodegradability and toxicity
Solution Approach 1:
The material composition is changed from non-biodegradable plastics to biodegradable paper-based material. This parameter change maintains the low density and cushioning properties needed for packing efficiency while eliminating the environmental harm associated with plastic waste and toxicity to wildlife.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If crumpled or shredded paper is used as packing material, then sustainability is improved, but practicality deteriorates due to inability to effectively wrap or pack items
Solution Approach 1:
The paper is pre-formed into individualized portions with predetermined sizes and shapes that are optimized for packing. This preliminary action transforms sustainable but impractical crumpled paper into practical, ready-to-use packing portions that can effectively wrap and protect items while maintaining environmental sustainability.
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 packing product efficiently cushions and protects items of various shapes by forming a cohesive mass, reducing material usage and preventing abrasion, while being sustainable and recyclable.
Implementation Method 1
a dimensioned strip of cohesive paper is spiraled or wound into a curl or spiral with the cohesive side of the dimensioned strip of cohesive paper on the outside of the curl/spiral
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for production of a packing product, and a method of manufacture, creates a double curl, spiral, twist, or coil in the shape of a “B” having elastic, cushioning, form-fitting, and coherent packing properties. The “B” is created from a dimension-controlled strip of preferably, but not necessarily, cohesive paper having a cohesive side and a non-cohesive side, a leading end, and a trailing end. The leading edge is wound into a spiral in a first direction with the cohesive side of the dimension-controlled cohesive paper facing outward. The trailing edge is wound into a spiral in a second direction that is opposite the first direction, with the cohesive side of the cohesive paper also facing outward. The machine and method can produce “B”s of various sizes and number of windings per curl to accommodate various sized items and/or packaging.