Inflatable Package Precursor with Sealed Inflation Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging materials, such as foam, are not recyclable and occupy significant space before and after use, posing environmental concerns and storage challenges.
Innovation Solution
Development of inflatable package precursors with a combination of inflatable and non-inflatable areas, connected by sealable inflation ports and manifolds, allowing for compact storage, easy inflation, and efficient separation from scrap material, using polymer sheeting with specific configurations and additives for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional foam packaging materials are used, then protection for articles is provided, but the materials are not recyclable and occupy significant space before and after use
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging material changes its physical state from inflated to deflated, transforming from a volume-occupying protective structure to a compact stored form. This parameter change enables the same material to provide protection when needed while occupying minimal space during storage and transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging transitions from a static foam structure to a dynamic inflatable system that can be inflated for use and deflated for storage. This dynamic capability allows the packaging to adapt between providing protection and being space-efficient, resolving the contradiction between protection function and storage volume.
2Volume of stationary object
If inflatable packaging materials are used, then space efficiency is improved and recyclability is achieved, but the inflation process requires additional complexity with inflation ports and manifolds
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is divided into modular inflatable sections separated by non-inflatable hinge areas. Each section can be independently inflated through its own inflation port, allowing for simplified inflation processes and easier manufacturing while maintaining space efficiency when deflated.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging material is pre-configured with integrated inflation ports and manifolds during manufacturing, so that the inflation system is built-in rather than added later. This preliminary integration reduces the overall complexity by combining multiple functions into a unified structure.
3Reliability
If inflatable areas are surrounded by non-inflatable areas, then article receiving areas are defined and structural stability is improved, but the overall package size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging employs localized non-inflatable hinge areas only where structural stability is needed for folding and articulation, while the rest of the structure remains inflatable. This selective application of non-inflatable material provides necessary stability without unnecessarily increasing the overall package volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging uses thin inflatable membranes that provide structural integrity when inflated, eliminating the need for thick non-inflatable supporting structures. The inflated state itself provides the necessary rigidity and stability, allowing for a more compact overall design.
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 recyclable, space-efficient packaging that can be easily inflated and deflated, reducing environmental impact and improving storage capabilities while providing customizable protection for various article shapes and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a precursor for an inflatable package having a plurality of inflatable areas that are inflatable to form panels that can be folded and at least partially wrapped around packaged articles
Data Source
AI summary
Inflated packages custom-designed to meet the needs of a variety of packaging needs, package precursors (i.e., packages in an un-inflated state), and methods for forming package precursors and converting package precursors into finished packages. Nozzle and needle inflated embodiments are included.