Multi-layer Wrap with Longitudinal Ribs for Heavy Coil Unitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wraps fail to effectively address the unitization of heavy items like steel or aluminum coils, particularly in terms of cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and protection against environmental conditions, while also ensuring secure engagement and limited stretching properties.
Innovation Solution
A stretchable multi-layer wrap comprising films with cling surfaces and strategically placed longitudinal ribs, which can include additional films with rust inhibiting agents and treatments for UV protection, anti-static properties, and slip additives, manufactured to ensure secure engagement and controlled stretching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple cling films are layered to secure heavy items, then holding strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cling films are combined into a single multi-layer wrap structure where the films are laminated together with engagement features. This merging approach maintains the enhanced holding strength of multiple films while reducing the complexity of applying and managing separate film layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrap structure embeds engagement features (ribs, protrusions, recesses) within the multi-layer film structure itself. These nested features provide the mechanical interlocking capability needed to secure heavy items without requiring external complex mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wrap is made stretchable to accommodate various loads, then adaptability is improved, but control over stretching becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap incorporates dynamic engagement features that allow controlled movement and stretching up to a point, then lock into place. The ribs and engagement features provide progressive resistance, allowing the wrap to adapt to different load sizes while maintaining reliable control over the stretching behavior.
3Ease of manufacture
If the wrap structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but protection against environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap is segmented into distinct functional layers, each providing specific protection against environmental conditions (UV protection layer, moisture barrier layer, etc.). This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity through a standardized multi-layer structure.
4Reliability
If ribs are placed close together to prevent disengagement, then engagement security is improved, but stretching capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ribs are designed with varying local properties - some regions have ribs spaced closer together for enhanced engagement security, while other regions have ribs spaced farther apart to allow stretching. This local variation in rib spacing provides both engagement security and stretching capability within the same wrap structure.
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 provides a cost-effective, easy-to-use wrap that securely holds heavy items, protects against environmental conditions, and limits stretching to maintain engagement, thereby addressing the limitations of existing wraps.
Implementation Method 1
The second film inside cling surface engages the first film inside cling surface
Implementation Method 2
Further stretching of the wrap may be limited by the stretching properties of the ribs
Data Source
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AI summary
A stretchable multi-layer wrap is provided. The wrap comprises a first film, which comprises an inside cling surface, a second film, which comprises an inside cling surface. The second film inside cling surface engages the first film inside cling surface. The wrap also comprises a plurality of longitudinal ribs that are co-aligned with a longitudinal axis of the wrap. The ribs are disposed between the engaged cling surfaces and spaced so as not to cause disengagement of the cling surfaces.