Daisy Chain Splicing Member for Continuous Stock Material Feed
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paper-based protective packaging systems face inefficiencies in dunnage material production, particularly in connecting and feeding continuous strips of sheet material into dunnage conversion machines, leading to disruptions and waste during the packaging process.
Innovation Solution
A stock material unit with a splicing member featuring a bonding member that allows for daisy chaining of sheet material strips by releasably sticking to the supply unit and repositioning to connect subsequent strips, ensuring continuous feeding and minimizing material waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If discrete sections of stock material are connected together to form continuous supply, then the continuity of material feed is improved, but the complexity of connection mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stock material is divided into discrete sections that can be individually handled and connected. Each section maintains independence while contributing to the continuous supply chain, allowing for modular connection mechanisms that reduce overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Adhesive surfaces are pre-applied to the discrete sections during manufacturing, preparing them for connection before they reach the conversion machine. This preliminary bonding preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time connection mechanisms during operation.
2Ease of operation
If adhesive surfaces are used to bond discrete sections, then the ease of connection is improved, but the material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Adhesive surfaces are applied only at specific locations where connections are needed, rather than covering the entire stock material. This localized application reduces adhesive consumption and material cost while maintaining ease of connection at critical bonding points.
3Productivity
If continuous strip of paper is crumpled into dunnage, then the productivity of packaging is improved, but the risk of material waste during cutting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous crumpling action by ensuring uninterrupted material feed through proper connection of discrete sections. This continuity maximizes productivity while minimizing idle time and associated waste from frequent start-stop operations.
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 solution enables seamless daisy chaining of sheet material units, enhancing the efficiency of dunnage material production by maintaining a continuous flow, reducing waste, and improving the overall packaging process.
Implementation Method 1
a bonding member releasably stuck to the supply unit in a first position. The splicing member is releasable from the first position on the supply unit and repositionable to a second position on the supply unit by the bonding member
Data Source
AI summary
A stock material unit for a dunnage conversion machine is provided herein. The stock material includes a first strip of sheet material at least partially defining a three-dimensional configuration. The strip of sheet material includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The stock material includes a splice member mounted with respect to the sheet material in a first position. The splice member includes a connector that has a bonding member configured to stick to the first end. The connector is releasable from the first position and repositionable to a second position in which it is affixed to the first end by a connecting portion. In the second position, the connecting portion has an exposed area for affixing to a second end of a second continuous sheet of the material to daisy chain the first and second strips of sheet material.