Embossed Polymeric Film Bags for Puncture Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymeric trash bags face challenges with puncture susceptibility and tear propagation due to the inherent softness and flexibility of polymeric films, which current solutions only partially address by increasing film thickness or using embossed patterns.
Innovation Solution
The method involves forming a bag from a collapsed tube of polymeric film with multiple layers, where the tube is embossed with a specific pattern that enhances shock absorption and redirects tears into a more resistant path, thereby improving the bag's puncture and tear resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thickness of the polymeric film is increased to enhance physical properties, then the strength and puncture resistance are improved, but the weight and cost of the polymeric film increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating embossed regions with different densities within the polymeric film. The embossed portions have higher density and provide localized reinforcement against punctures and tears, while the unembossed portions maintain lower density and weight. This allows the film to achieve improved strength without uniformly increasing thickness throughout the entire film structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure within the polymeric film by combining embossed and unembossed regions. The embossed portions act as reinforcement zones with higher density, while the unembossed portions provide flexibility and weight efficiency. This composite approach within a single film layer achieves puncture resistance without requiring uniform thickness increase.
2Strength
If the thickness of the polymeric film is increased to enhance physical properties, then the strength and tear resistance are improved, but the cost of the polymeric film increases
Solution Approach 1:
The embossed pattern is applied locally to specific regions of the film rather than uniformly across the entire film. This localized embossing provides tear resistance where needed while minimizing the overall material cost and manufacturing complexity compared to producing entirely thicker or uniformly embossed film.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the polymeric film by creating embossed regions with different density and structural characteristics. This parameter change allows the film to exhibit improved tear resistance without requiring a complete redesign of the film thickness or composition, thereby controlling manufacturing cost.
3Reliability
If a shock absorber band is added to absorb energy when the bag is dropped, then the puncture resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shock absorption function with the structural film itself by incorporating embossed regions directly into the polymeric film. The embossed portions act as integrated shock absorbers that are part of the film matrix, eliminating the need for separate shock absorber bands or additional components. This integration maintains puncture resistance while minimizing structural complexity.
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 approach results in trash bags with improved shock absorption and reduced tear propagation, offering enhanced durability and resistance to punctures compared to standard trash bags.
Implementation Method 1
techniques and solutions have been developed to address the need for improved shock absorption to reduce the likelihood of puncture and also to increase the tear resistance of polymeric films
Implementation Method 2
the embossed pattern can redirect a propagating tear into a more resistant path and can consume energy as the tear propagates
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a bag of polymeric film and a method to make the bag. The bag can be comprised of a front panel and a rear panel. The front and rear panels can each be comprised of multiple layers of film. The bag can be formed from a collapsed bubble of polymeric film that has been folded in half so that opposing edges of the collapsed bubble form an opening of the bag. One of the layers of the folded bubble can be split adjacent to an edge of the collapsed bubble and a draw tape film can be inserted between the layers of the folded and collapsed bubble. The collapsed bubble can further be embossed by a pattern that can provide enhanced properties to bags formed from the folded bubble.