Integrated Envelope Assembly with Perforated Separation Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing envelope systems for return mailings are cumbersome and lack efficient mechanisms for separating and sealing return envelopes, making it difficult for recipients to easily send back materials to senders.

Innovation Solution

An integrated envelope assembly with a perforated separation device and strings with pull tabs allows for easy detachment and reattachment of the return envelope, enabling seamless insertion and sealing of return materials, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a pre-addressed return envelope is enclosed in the original envelope, then the recipient can send materials back to the sender, but the system becomes cumbersome and lacks efficient mechanisms for separating and sealing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of return mailingVSAvoidenvelope assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the original envelope and return envelope into a single integrated assembly. The return envelope is attached to the original envelope through attachment portions, creating a unified structure that simplifies handling. This merging eliminates the need for separate envelope management while maintaining functional distinction between original and return mailing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated envelope assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: the original envelope portion and the return envelope portion. These segments are connected through detachable attachment portions with separation devices, allowing the recipient to easily separate the return envelope from the original envelope when needed. This segmentation provides both integration for ease of handling and separability for functional independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the return envelope is attached to the original envelope, then the assembly remains compact, but the recipient needs efficient mechanisms to separate and seal the return envelope

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereturn mailing efficiencyVSAvoidseparation and sealing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The return envelope is pre-attached to the original envelope through attachment portions that include separation devices. The flap of the return envelope is pre-positioned and can be easily separated from the original envelope using the perforation and string mechanism. This preliminary attachment and pre-positioning of separation mechanisms enables quick and efficient separation without requiring additional tools or complex maneuvers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The perforation with string acts as an intermediary mechanism between the attached return envelope and original envelope. This intermediary separation device allows for clean, easy detachment of the return envelope flap from the original envelope body. The string perforation system serves as a mediator that facilitates the transition from attached state to separated state without damaging either envelope component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If a single integrated envelope assembly is used, then the process of preparing return materials is simplified, but the assembly must include additional components for separation and attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for preparing return mailingVSAvoidenvelope component structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the original envelope and return envelope into a single integrated assembly that functions as one unit during mailing. The attachment portions connect the two envelopes, creating a unified structure that travels together. This merging eliminates the time loss associated with handling separate envelopes while the internal attachment mechanism remains simple enough not to significantly increase overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9828141B2Integrated envelope assembly including original and return envelope components

Publication Date: 2017.11.28 BRUFSKY ALEXANDER I

AI summary

An envelope assembly includes an original and a return address components. The original address component has a front side having an original address provided thereon, a rear side, and a first attachment portion provided around at least part of the perimeter of the original address component. The return address component includes a second attachment portion provided around at least part of the perimeter of the return address component and a return envelope portion, wherein the second attachment portion is attached to the first attachment portion The return envelope portion has a front side having a return address provided thereon, a rear side, and an interior for receiving return mailing materials. The rear side of the original address component faces the front side of the return envelope portion, and the return envelope portion is removeably attached to and separable from the second attachment portion by a first separation device.