Flexible Bag Microcapillary Strip Air Venting
Solution Overview
Problem
The packaging of flowable solid particulate materials (FSPM) using air-impermeable plastic bags faces challenges due to entrained air, which increases bag volume, complicates storage and handling, and exposes the contents to moisture, leading to degradation. Conventional methods like vacuum sealing are costly and ineffective, while perforated films fail to protect against water penetration.
Innovation Solution
A flexible bag with a microcapillary strip that allows air venting through mechanical pressure, sealed between opposing polymeric films to form a closed compartment, effectively removing residual air and preventing moisture ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If perforated plastic films are used to vent air, then residual air can be released from the bag, but water penetration occurs and film physical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a microporous membrane that allows air molecules to pass through while blocking water molecules due to the size difference. The membrane's pore structure is specifically designed to permit gas permeation while preventing liquid penetration, thus resolving the contradiction between air venting and water protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing structure incorporates different regions with distinct properties: a hydrophobic region that repels water and a hydrophilic region that allows controlled air passage. This local differentiation of material properties enables the seal to simultaneously prevent water ingress while facilitating air removal.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If vacuum sealing is used to remove residual air, then air can be effectively removed from the bag, but high capital cost and maintenance costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The bag structure incorporates an integrated microporous membrane and sealing system that automatically removes air during the filling process without requiring external vacuum equipment. The design enables self-venting through the membrane's inherent permeability properties, eliminating the need for costly vacuum sealing machinery and its associated maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the air removal function from complex vacuum sealing equipment and integrates it directly into the bag structure itself through the microporous membrane. This extraction simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for separate vacuum devices while maintaining effective air removal capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If air-impermeable plastic bags are used, then water protection is provided, but residual air increases bag volume and complicates storage and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The microporous membrane provides a dual-function barrier that maintains water impermeability while enabling air permeability. This material allows the bag to achieve compact volume by venting air during filling, while simultaneously protecting contents from moisture through the membrane's water-blocking properties.
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 microcapillary strip provides an economical and reliable solution for degassing and protecting FSPM from moisture, enhancing storage and handling efficiency while maintaining the integrity of the contents.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible bag with a microcapillary strip that allows air venting through mechanical pressure
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a flexible bag is provided and includes opposing flexible films composed of a polymeric material. The flexible films define a common peripheral edge. The flexible bag includes a microcapillary strip located between the opposing flexible films and extending along a portion of the common peripheral edge. A peripheral seal extends along at least a portion of the common peripheral edge. The peripheral seal seals the microcapillary strip between the opposing flexible films. The peripheral seal forms a closed compartment. The flexible bag includes an amount of a flowable solid particulate material (FSPM) in the storage compartment.