Extruded Silicone Spring Strap for Self-Opening Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The packaging industry faces challenges in manufacturing self-opening, re-closable lids with silicone springs that result in significant material scrap due to complex shapes and processes, requiring a more efficient and cost-effective solution for producing silicone spring straps.
Innovation Solution
A silicone extruded spring strap that can be folded and stretched, combined with a spring strap clip for attachment to a closure system, allowing for easy integration and minimal scrap material, featuring ridges for stoppers and slots for secure positioning, and a living hinge for flexibility, along with a retention latch for user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex T-form silicone springs are punched through sheets, then the spring function is performed well, but manufacturing complexity and scrap material increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring function is segmented from the sheet material through punching, but the patent improves this by using extruded profiles that are then cut to length, separating the spring material preparation from the sheet punching process and reducing overall manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of punching springs from sheets (subtractive process), the patent uses extrusion (additive process) to create spring profiles, then cuts them to length, inverting the traditional manufacturing sequence to reduce scrap and simplify the process
2Reliability
If T-form silicone springs are punched from sheets, then spring function is achieved, but material scrap increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing parameters from sheet punching to extrusion and cutting, transforming the process from subtractive to a combination of additive and selective removal, thereby minimizing material waste while maintaining spring functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by extruding spring profiles and cutting them to length rather than punching from sheets, fundamentally changing the material utilization pattern to eliminate scrap
3Reliability
If complex shaping processes are used for silicone springs, then spring function is achieved, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring profiles are extruded in advance with the correct cross-sectional geometry, so that only cutting to length is needed afterward, performing the complex shaping operation beforehand to simplify and accelerate the final production step
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 solution enables quick production with no material scrap, provides effective air sealing, and allows for easy user interaction to open and close lids, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and reducing costs while maintaining lid functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a silicone extruded spring strap or spring strap that has the possibility to be folded around an axis parallel to its own axis of extrusion, thus creating the extension and release like a spring
Data Source
AI summary
A silicone extruded spring strap that has the possibility to be folded around an axis parallel to its own axis of extrusion, thus creating the compression and release as of a spring. The base has a reach-in hole on its body to allow the user to reach through. The lid is the base's capping object; it is designed to cover the reach-in hole of the base. It should be designed in a way to limit the area of the remaining gaps of the base's reach-in hole. The spring strap clip designed to allow the extension of the spring during the closing motion of the lid. The extruded spring strap can store and release energy in order to displace the lid. It can be of any material that provides the appropriate stiffness to activate the lid. The retention latch is the user interface on which he acts in order to have the lid popup.