Paper Cushioning Dispensing Device with Staged Crumpling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cushioning solutions made from recycled paper exhibit unsatisfactory mechanical properties due to coarse crumpling, which affects their effectiveness in protecting items during transport.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing device that includes guide means, drive means, and creasing means to produce crumpled paper packaging elements, utilizing a shaping means and positioning means to enhance the crumpling process, resulting in improved mechanical properties through controlled folding and alignment of paper strips.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If paper strips are coarsely crumpled to produce cushioning elements, then the production process is simple and fast, but the mechanical properties are unsatisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction speedVSAvoidmechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The crumpling process is divided into multiple sequential stages with progressively smaller guide means diameters. The paper strip passes through guide means with decreasing diameters (D1 > D2 > D3), creating increasingly fine crumple patterns. This segmentation of the deformation process allows the paper to develop complex micro-structures that enhance mechanical properties while maintaining production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from simple planar crumpling to three-dimensional multi-axis deformation. By arranging guide means in multiple planes and using positioning means to constrain the paper strip at specific locations, the system creates spatially complex crumple patterns that improve mechanical properties in multiple directions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If guide means extend beyond creasing means downstream, then the crumpling process is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical propertiesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide means serve multiple functions: they guide the paper strip through the device, provide the geometric constraint that creates the crumple pattern, and extend downstream to continue shaping the crumpled structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture despite the extended guide means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning means are integrated within or between the guide means structures, and the creasing means operate within the space defined by the guide means. This nesting of functional components within each other reduces the overall footprint and minimizes the number of separate assemblies required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 produces crumpled paper packaging elements with enhanced resistance to compression and improved shock absorption, utilizing recycled paper without the need for additional fixing means like gluing or stapling.

Implementation Method 1

at least two guide means (2) each having at least one independent free end, around at least one of which is wound at least one strip of paper (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a driving means (3) for moving at least one strip of paper (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

at least one crumpling means (4) for crumpling at least one strip of paper (10) downstream of the driving means (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3558658B1Device for dispensing a cushioning and packaging element, method for producing the element
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 GPSYST
  • EP3558658B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3558658B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3558658B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for dispensing a cushioning and packaging element from at least one strip of paper, comprising: at least two guide means (2) around which at least one strip of paper is wound; at least one drive element for driving at least one strip of paper; and at least one creasing means (4) for creasing at least one strip of paper, characterised in that the guide means (2) extend beyond at least one creasing means (4), namely downstream thereof.