Flexible Pipe Coil Packaging with a Controlled Dispensing Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging methods for coiled flexible pipe, such as PEX pipe, suffer from issues like 'birds nesting' and require additional heat shrink wrapping, which can tear and increase costs, while not being universally applicable to all contractors' preferences.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing ring or opening is adhered to the stretch wrapped coil package, eliminating the need for secondary heat shrink packaging, ensuring the coil remains intact during dispensing and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pipe is pulled from inside of stretch wrap coil, then pipe can be dispensed, but coil unravels and becomes entangled (birds nesting)
Solution Approach 1:
A dispensing hole is introduced as an intermediary structure in the stretch wrap packaging. This hole serves as a controlled access point that allows pipe dispensing while preventing the coil from unraveling. The hole acts as a mediator between the need to extract pipe and the need to maintain coil integrity, resolving the contradiction by providing a structured pathway that doesn't compromise the overall packaging stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If secondary heat shrink packaging is added to prevent birds nesting, then coil integrity is maintained, but packaging cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element (secondary heat shrink packaging) is removed from the system. Instead of adding complex packaging layers, the invention extracts only the essential function needed - a simple dispensing hole in the existing stretch wrap. This eliminates the need for additional heat shrink material, equipment, and processing steps while maintaining coil integrity during dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing hole represents a simple, low-cost modification to the existing stretch wrap packaging. Rather than investing in expensive secondary packaging systems, the invention uses a minimal structural change (creating an opening) that serves its purpose effectively throughout the dispensing process without requiring additional durable components.
3Ease of operation
If hole is made in heat shrink packaging for pipe dispensing, then pipe can be pulled through, but hole enlarges and coil unravels (birds nesting)
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing hole is pre-formed in the stretch wrap packaging before pipe dispensing begins. This preliminary action creates a controlled opening with defined edges that prevents further enlargement during pipe extraction. By establishing the hole structure in advance, the packaging maintains its integrity while allowing smooth pipe dispensing without the hole expanding and causing coil unraveling.
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 dispensing ring prevents unraveling and entanglement, reduces packaging costs, and allows flexible pipe to be dispensed without additional equipment, accommodating various installation methods.
Implementation Method 1
The ring or opening is made from adhesive material or otherwise adhered to the stretch wrapped coil package
Data Source
AI summary
A package for dispensing flexible pipe in packaged in a coil includes a coil of flexible pipe and a packaging material provided around an outer perimeter of the coil of flexible pipe. The packaging is open to allow access to an inner, central portion of the coil from a top or bottom of the coil. A sheet or plate or a band is adhered to the packaging material on one of the top or bottom surface of the coil. The sheet or plate or band has an opening through which the pipe can be dispensed or a weakened portion that can be opened to provide an opening through which the pipe can be dispensed. The sheet or plate or band is made of a material having a strength suitable to prevent tearing or otherwise enlarging the opening of the packaging material beyond the inner perimeter of the band.