Granular Material Package Asymmetric Closing for Stable Stacking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packages containing granular materials are prone to instability when stacked, leading to potential damage from falling impacts due to off-balance configurations.

Innovation Solution

A package design featuring a bag with a one-end-side closing part and another-end-side closing part, where the interval between the closing part and the bag edge satisfies specific mathematical formulas, allowing for stable stacking and reduced damage from impacts, with dimensions and material properties optimized for efficient storage and conveyance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If packages are stacked in multiple layers for efficient storage and conveyance, then storage efficiency is improved, but the packages may become off balance and upper packages may fall causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidstacking stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the closing part at a specific interval from one end edge of the bag rather than at the center or uniform position. This asymmetric placement creates a center of gravity distribution that enables stable stacking. The interval X is specifically controlled to satisfy formula (A) to achieve the optimal asymmetric position for stacking stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by precisely controlling the interval X between the closing part and the end edge within a specific range defined by formula (A). Additionally, the container dimensions (lengths a, b, c) are optimized within specified ranges to satisfy formula (B), thereby achieving stable stacking characteristics through optimized geometric parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If packages are stacked in multiple layers, then storage efficiency is improved, but damage from falling impact increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidfalling impact damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by designing the bag structure with optimized dimensions and closing part position that prevent falling in the first place. The specific interval X and container dimensions create a stable center of gravity that anticipates and prevents stacking failures before they occur, eliminating the need for additional cushioning materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the closing part is positioned at different locations on the bag, then packaging flexibility is improved, but stacking stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging flexibilityVSAvoidstacking stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by defining a specific parameter range for the closing part position (interval X satisfying formula A) rather than fixing it at a single location. This allows flexibility within the optimized range while maintaining stacking stability, balancing adaptability with stability requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4071076A1Package for a granular material
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 SUMITOMO CHEM CO LTD
  • EP4071076A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4071076A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4071076A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Package (10) that can be stably stacked in multiple layers and can reduce damage of falling impact. A bag (1) contains a granular material (A). The package includes a container (1) containing the granular material (A), and a one-end-side closing part (1b) closing the container at one end side in a first direction (x) and extending in a second direction (y), in which an interval (X) between one end edge and one-end-side closing part (1b) of the bag (1) in the first direction satisfies the following mathematical formula (A): 5 mm ≤ X. The container has a length (c) of 40 cm to 100 cm in the first direction, a length (b) of 30 cm to 60 cm in the second direction, and a length (a) of 5 cm to 30 cm in the third direction, and satisfies the following mathematical formula (B): a/b < 0.48.