Corrugated Paper Straw Manufacturing Using Segmented Sheet Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high manufacturing and material costs of paper straws have hindered their widespread adoption as a replacement for plastic straws in fast food restaurants, despite environmental concerns related to plastic waste.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing method involving the overlapping and joining of corrugated sheet materials with alternating crest and trough portions, followed by cutting to form straws, which reduces material usage and labor costs while maintaining structural integrity and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If paper straws are used to replace plastic straws, then environmental load is reduced, but manufacturing cost and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The paper sheet is divided into multiple crease portions and trough portions, which are then segmented into individual straw units through cutting. This segmentation allows for efficient use of material and streamlined manufacturing processes, reducing both manufacturing cost and material cost while maintaining the environmental benefits of paper straws
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the paper sheet by creating specific crease patterns and trough depths. By optimizing these parameters, the straw achieves sufficient structural strength and functionality using less material, thereby reducing material cost and manufacturing cost while still providing an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic straws
2Object-affected harmful factors
If paper straws are used to replace plastic straws, then environmental load is reduced, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By optimizing the parameters of the paper sheet including thickness, crease depth, and trough dimensions, the invention achieves the required structural performance with minimized material usage. This parameter optimization directly reduces material cost while maintaining the environmental advantages of using paper instead of plastic
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure within the paper straw by forming multiple layers through folding and creasing. This composite structure provides enhanced strength and functionality, allowing the use of thinner or less expensive paper material while still achieving the desired performance, thereby reducing material cost
Data Source
AI summary
A manufacturing method of a straw includes: overlapping a first sheet material in which a plurality of straight linear crest portions and straight trough portions are alternately arranged and a second sheet material facing the first on the crest portion side; forming a closed space between the trough portion and the second sheet material by joining the first and second sheet materials at the crest portion of the first sheet material; and a plurality of straws are obtained by cutting a joined part. A straw obtained by the method includes: a first member having a linear recessed portion and flange portions positioned on both sides of the linear recessed portion and extending along the linear recessed portion; and a sheet-like second member facing the first member, in which the first member and the second member are joined at the flange portion of the first member.