Inflatable Packaging Device with Uninflated Lining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging materials like styrofoam are not recyclable, produce soot when burned, and are brittle, while air-packing devices, although more efficient, may rupture when exposed to pointed products.
Innovation Solution
A packaging device comprising thermoplastic films with inflated and uninflated sections, where the uninflated section forms a lining to prevent direct contact with the product and absorb shocks, and the inflated section provides cushioning, preventing rupture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If air-packing device is made of thin plastic films to reduce weight and storage space, then storage space requirement is reduced, but the device may rupture when exposed to pointed products
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging device is divided into two distinct sections: an inflated section containing multiple air containers for cushioning, and an uninflated lining section for structural support and protection against pointed products. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The uninflated lining section is folded into the inflated section, creating a nested structure where the lining is positioned inside the inflated air containers. This nesting arrangement provides protective lining close to the product while maintaining the space-saving collapsed state during storage and transport.
2Reliability
If styrofoam is used for packing to provide good thermal insulation and shock absorption, then shock absorbing capability is improved, but the material is not recyclable and produces soot when burned
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging device uses inflated air containers filled with gas or liquid to provide shock absorption and cushioning. This pneumatic system replaces solid styrofoam material, enabling the same protective function while using recyclable plastic films that do not produce soot when burned and can be easily recycled.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the physical state of the packaging material from solid (styrofoam) to gas-filled (air containers), transforming the shock absorption mechanism while maintaining environmental benefits. The inflatable structure provides comparable cushioning performance without the harmful properties of styrofoam.
3Reliability
If multiple air containers with check valves are used to increase reliability, then the device can function even if one container leaks, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging device is divided into multiple independent air containers, each with its own check valve, allowing the system to maintain functionality even if one container leaks. This segmentation provides redundancy while keeping each individual component simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Check valves are introduced as intermediary components between the air source and each air container, enabling unidirectional flow control. These simple intermediary elements provide the necessary reliability without requiring complex control systems, as they passively prevent reverse flow through their inherent mechanical 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 device effectively minimizes shock and vibration, prevents rupture from pointed corners, and is cost-effective and environmentally friendly by using recyclable materials.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of air containers (42) in the inflated portion (51)... Each of the first and second sections (46, 51) is divided into a plurality of air containers (42)
Implementation Method 2
The thermoplastic films of the air-packing device 20 are bonded (heat-sealed) together at bonding areas 23a
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging device includes first and second thermoplastic films superposed with each other, wherein predetermined portions of the thermoplastic films are bonded creating a plurality of fluid containers, a plurality of check valves each connected to a corresponding fluid container, a fluid passage in a first direction connected to the check valves, and a second border between an inflated section including the plurality of fluid containers and an uninflated section, wherein the first and second thermoplastic films are folded and two side edges of the films are bonded and a first portion of a first border connecting the inflated section to a second section is folded and an overlapped portion of the first portion is bonded leaving a remaining portion of the first border unbonded wherein the uninflated section forms a loop, and wherein the uninflated section forming the loop is folded into the inflated section to form a lining.