Expandable Slit Sheet Dispensing Pad for Low-Waste Protective Packing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for dispensing rolls of expanded slit sheet material require significant amounts of material, making them economically unviable, and there is a need for a more efficient and cost-effective way to use slit sheet material for packing items.
Innovation Solution
A pad of expandable slit paper sheets is provided, bound together along a single edge and unbound elsewhere, with features like score lines, staples, and adhesives for easy separation, and can be supported on a stable bottom pad or adhered to a table for dispensing and packing items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rolls of expanded slit sheet material are used for dispensing, then the material can be reused multiple times, but a significant amount of material is required making it economically unviable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the slit sheet material into individual sheets bound together in a pad format, allowing each sheet to be independently removed and used. This segmentation enables precise material usage where only the needed amount is taken from the pad, eliminating waste and reducing the total material quantity required compared to using entire rolls.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and configuration of the slit sheet material from a continuous roll format to a stacked pad format with individual sheets. This parameter change in material organization allows for efficient single-use or limited-use applications, making the material economically viable by reducing overall consumption.
2Ease of operation
If sheets of slit sheet material are bound together along a single edge, then easy separation is facilitated, but the binding mechanism must be simple and cost-effective
Solution Approach 1:
The sheets are segmented and bound only at one edge (single-edge binding) rather than fully bound or mechanically attached. This creates simple score lines or perforations at the edge that allow easy manual separation of individual sheets from the pad, facilitating ease of operation without requiring complex binding mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The binding mechanism uses simple, inexpensive elements like score lines, perforations, or minimal adhesives at the edge that are designed to be easily broken or separated. These simple binding methods are cost-effective and allow for easy disposal or removal of individual sheets without requiring complex or expensive binding systems.
3Strength
If adhesive is applied to bind sheets together, then the sheets remain securely attached, but the adhesive may cause tearing or damage during separation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying adhesive across the entire sheet surface, the adhesive is applied locally only at the edge region where binding is needed. This localized application provides sufficient bond strength to hold sheets together during storage and handling, while minimizing the adhesive quantity and reducing the risk of tearing or damage during separation at the edge only.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive used is designed to be a temporary, weak bond that is intended to be easily broken or removed. This disposable-like adhesive provides sufficient holding strength during use but can be easily separated without causing damage to the sheets, aligning with the single-use or limited-use nature of the slit sheet material.
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 allows for easy and efficient use of slit sheet material for packing, reducing waste and cost, while providing effective protection and cushioning for items, with increased resiliency and reduced tearing during expansion.
Implementation Method 1
a releasable adhesive is applied to each sheet in the region of the single edge
Data Source
AI summary
A pad of a plurality of sheets of expandable slit paper is provided in which the paper expands in thickness when stretched to form expanded cells, wherein the sheets of expandable slit paper are bound together along a single edge and otherwise unbound together. In some embodiments, sheets of slit sheet material are removable for use of the slit sheet material for packing items or the like with the slit sheet material in an expanded state.