Oriented Elastomeric Packaging Shunt for Delayed Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Molded elastomeric products require a recovery process after orientation, which adds time to the manufacturing cycle and can make them difficult to manipulate into final applications, as they recover to an equilibrium position.
Innovation Solution
A method and packaging combination that delays the final recovery of molded elastomeric products by mounting them to a shunt to retain them in a partially stretched or compressed configuration, allowing them to shrink and tighten into advantageous arrangements during end-use applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the product is oriented by stretching beyond its elastic limit, then the material characteristics are improved (stiffness and support characteristics), but the product undergoes non-recoverable permanent deformation and requires a recovery process that adds time to the manufacturing cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The product is oriented during the molding process itself, performing the orientation action preliminarily before the product is removed from the mold. This eliminates the need for a separate recovery station and allows the product to be used immediately after molding, as the orientation is already complete and the product is in its equilibrium position ready for application.
2Strength
If the product is stretched to achieve desired orientation, then the material properties are altered (stiffness and support characteristics), but the product becomes difficult to manipulate into final application once recovered
Solution Approach 1:
The product is oriented and positioned in its final application configuration during the molding process. The mold itself is configured to stretch and orient the product to the desired shape, so that when the product is removed from the mold, it is already in its final equilibrium position and ready for immediate use, eliminating manipulation difficulties.
3Ease of operation
If a recovery station is used to allow complete recovery to equilibrium position, then the product is ready for final application, but the manufacturing cycle time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation and positioning actions are performed preliminarily during the molding process itself. The mold is designed to stretch the product to the desired configuration, and the product remains in that configuration as it cools and sets. When removed from the mold, the product is already oriented and positioned correctly, eliminating the need for a separate recovery station and associated time delays.
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
Enables molded elastomeric products to maintain a stretched configuration for extended periods, simplifying assembly, enhancing fit, and allowing self-tightening capabilities, such as in pulley systems, fasteners, and bandages, without requiring immediate orientation at the time or location of use.
Implementation Method 1
orienting the product, which involves stretching and releasing the product to align the crystalline structure of the plastic in a particular direction
Implementation Method 2
the product is stretched beyond its elastic limit, it recovers to an intermediate dimension that is deformed from its original length. This deformation is non-recoverable, permanent deformation
Implementation Method 3
After the product is released from the final stretch of the orientation process, the product recovers to an equilibrium position
Data Source
AI summary
A method of packaging a molded elastomeric material includes the steps of (a) molding an elastomeric product; (b) orienting the elastomeric product by stretching or compressing the elastomeric product; (c) retaining the elastomeric product in an at least partially stretched or partially compressed configuration by mounting or securing the elastomeric product to a shunt; and (d) releasing the product from the shunt, whereby the product is capable of shrinking or expanding to its final position after it is removed from the shunt.