Inflation Device for Inflatable Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional packaging materials like polystyrene foam and polyethylene foam are bulky, difficult to handle, and pose environmental disposal issues, while inflatable packaging materials face limitations in achieving high protection levels and scalability for industrial use.

Innovation Solution

A device and method for inflating packages without inserting an inflating means between layers, using a pressurized air system with a controllable pressure level, where the inflation tool encloses the opening and utilizes a vacuum gripper to seal and inflate the package, allowing for efficient handling and environmental sustainability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional packaging materials like polystyrene foam and polyethylene foam are used, then protection level is improved, but storage space and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection levelVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging is divided into a flat precursor structure that can be easily stored and transported, which is then segmented into inflatable areas that expand to provide protection only when needed, resolving the contradiction between storage efficiency and protection level

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging transitions from a static flat state during storage to a dynamic inflated state during use, allowing the same material to occupy minimal space when not in use and provide substantial protection when activated, thus resolving the volume-strength contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If polyurethane foam is injected into the package, then protection level is improved, but environmental disposability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection levelVSAvoidenvironmental disposal

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical state of the packaging material from a permanent foam structure to a temporarily inflated structure using air or gas, allowing the packaging to be deflated and reused or disposed of easily, thus resolving the environmental disposal issue while maintaining protection level

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The inflatable packaging uses inexpensive, environmentally friendly materials that can be easily disposed of or reused after deflation, replacing expensive and non-biodegradable polyurethane foam while maintaining adequate protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If inflatable packaging is used to reduce bulk, then handling ease is improved, but protection level for drop tests worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling easeVSAvoidprotection level

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging is designed to be dynamically inflated to the appropriate pressure level required for drop test protection, allowing it to provide adequate strength while maintaining ease of handling through its inflatable nature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By controlling the inflation pressure parameter, the packaging can be adjusted to provide the exact level of protection needed for drop tests while maintaining the handling advantages of inflatable packaging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If automatic inflation system inflates packages to atmospheric pressure, then ease of operation is improved, but protection level for drop tests worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidprotection level

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The inflation system is designed to control and adjust the pressure parameter beyond atmospheric pressure to achieve the specific pressure levels required for drop test protection, while maintaining automated ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables efficient, scalable, and environmentally friendly inflation of packages with controlled pressure, reducing handling difficulties and disposal issues, while ensuring high protection levels, such as those required for drop tests.

Implementation Method 1

utilizes a vacuum gripper to seal and inflate the package

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

using a pressurized air system with a controllable pressure level

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3007892B1Inflation device and method for inflating a package

Publication Date: 2019.07.10 AIRGUARD LTD

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AI summary

An inflation device for pressurized inflation of an un-inflated package, the package comprising two layers, which are generally flat prior to inflation, and an inflation opening, the inflation device comprising an inflation tool, for contacting the package at the inflation opening to inflate the package through the inflation opening using inflation fluid from a pressure source, the inflation tool having an enclosing surface to enclose the inflation opening externally of the package. The inflation tool is larger than the inflation opening so as to ensure that the inflation opening is actually enclosed.