Face Mask Envelope with Adhesive Closure Sheet for Automatic Packaging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional face mask combinations face challenges in automatic packaging methods, where either manual processes are costly and time-consuming or automatic methods result in exposed face masks prone to contamination due to sealed envelopes requiring tearing.

Innovation Solution

A face mask combination featuring an envelope with interconnected sheet layers and a releasable adhesive closure sheet, allowing for automatic packaging by forming openings and attaching closure sheets to the enveloping material, enabling easy access and re-closure to prevent contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual assembly method is used to attach extension portion with adhesive layer, then face masks can be protected from contamination, but production cost increases and production time is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from contaminationVSAvoidproduction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive layer is pre-applied to the extension portion during envelope formation, and the release film is pre-attached over the adhesive layer. This preliminary preparation allows the envelope to be ready for automatic packaging without requiring manual adhesive application during assembly, thus maintaining contamination protection while enabling high-speed automatic production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The release film is separated from the adhesive layer during the packaging process, allowing the extension portion to be automatically attached to the front surface without manual intervention. This extraction of the release film enables automatic packaging while maintaining the same contamination protection mechanism as manual assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If sealed envelope is used to protect face masks, then contamination is prevented, but automatic packaging requires tearing the envelope which exposes masks to contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from contaminationVSAvoidaccessibility to face masks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closure structure transitions from a static sealed envelope to a dynamic system where the extension portion can be automatically attached and detached. The adhesive layer provides strong bonding when closed, but the release film enables easy separation for access, and the adhesive allows re-closure to maintain protection. This dynamic closure mechanism resolves the contradiction between protection and accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The release film is discarded after serving its purpose of enabling automatic packaging. Once the extension portion is attached to the front surface, the release film is removed and discarded. The adhesive layer is recovered by re-attaching the extension portion after face masks are removed, maintaining the protective function throughout the product lifecycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If extension portion is folded to close opening using adhesive layer, then remaining face masks are protected, but manual operation increases cost and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from contaminationVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive layer is pre-applied to the extension portion during envelope formation, eliminating the need for manual adhesive application during assembly. The release film is also pre-attached, ready to be removed during automatic packaging. This preliminary preparation reduces assembly time while maintaining contamination protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of folding and attaching the extension portion is replaced by an automatic packaging system that uses a pressing mechanism to attach the extension portion to the front surface after removing the release film. This mechanical substitution eliminates manual labor and reduces assembly time while maintaining the same protective function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables efficient, labor-saving automatic packaging of face masks, ensuring they remain protected from the environment, improving production capacity and reducing manual labor costs.

Implementation Method 1

a closure sheet closing openably the opening and attached adhesively and releasably to said one of the sheet layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS8359817B2Face mask combination and automatic packaging method for face masks

Publication Date: 2013.01.29 KNH ENTERPRISE CO LTD

AI summary

A face mask combination includes: an envelope having two interconnected sheet layers that confine a space therebetween, an opening formed in one of the sheet layers, and a closure sheet closing openably the opening and attached adhesively and releasably to the sheet layer formed with the opening; and at least one face mask disposed in the space and having two opposite ends, one of the opposite ends being disposed in proximity to the opening so as to be exposed from the opening when the closure sheet is opened. An automatic packaging method for face masks is also disclosed.