Peelable Membrane Container Assembly for Compact Messy Products
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for soiling products that integrate self-cleaning mechanisms are not compact, rigid, or easily cleanable due to limitations in membrane assembly and material choices, and their production processes are not optimized for flexibility or ecological impact.
Innovation Solution
The container features a framework covered with alternating non-heat-sealable membranes with mechanical attachment via protrusions, using materials like polyethylene, PET, PVC, or polypropylene, and surface treatments such as printing, sandblasting, or flocking to create interpenetrating protuberances for easy peeling and release of active ingredients, along with a production process involving heating under pressure to achieve a compact and separable assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If membranes are assembled with heat-sealing, then the assembly is strong and compact, but the membranes cannot be easily separated for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surfaces of the membranes are segmented into numerous small protrusions rather than a continuous surface. This segmentation allows the membranes to be strongly attached through the collective effect of many small mechanical interlocks, while still enabling easy separation by peeling because each individual protrusion is small and numerous. The protrusions create a multitude of tiny attachment points that collectively provide strong bonding but can be overcome by the peeling action.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane surfaces are given non-uniform local quality through the protrusion structure. Instead of a uniform smooth or uniformly rough surface, the contact area consists of localized protrusions with mechanical attachment properties. This local quality variation allows the membranes to have strong attachment at the protrusion contact points while maintaining overall flexibility and ease of peeling separation.
2Productivity
If production is centralized in one unit, then quality control is easier, but flexibility and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The production process is segmented into distinct stages: membrane manufacturing can be done in one facility, while container assembly is performed in another. The membranes are produced as separate components with standardized specifications, then shipped to assembly units where they are integrated into containers. This segmentation of the production process enables different facilities to specialize in different tasks, improving overall productivity and flexibility while maintaining quality through standardized membrane specifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If membranes are made from single material, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to different applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure uses composite material composition by combining different plastic materials for different membrane layers. Specifically, at least one membrane is made from a first plastic material while another membrane is made from a second plastic material, creating a multi-material composite structure. This allows the container to be adapted to different applications by selecting appropriate material combinations, while the protrusion attachment mechanism remains consistent across different material types.
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 results in a more compact, rigid, and easily cleanable container that facilitates the separation of soiled membranes, enhances productivity, and allows for the production of derivative products with extended application, including decontamination mats, while reducing ecological impact and improving industrial organization.
Implementation Method 1
heating under pressure to achieve a compact and separable assembly
Implementation Method 2
mechanical attachment via protrusions
Implementation Method 3
surface condition has, if only on a microscopic scale, a natural roughness made up of protuberances capable of interpenetrating one membrane to the other
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
Improved container for messy products which is made up of a framework (17) covered by a superposition (14) of membranes (15a to 15d), each of which is equipped with means of assembly by adhesion of at least part of at least one of the contact faces thereof to the contiguous membrane or membranes allowing said membranes to be separated by a peeling effect, said means of assembly consisting of a multitude of mechanical catching protuberances (16). The improvements made to this container relate on the one hand to the nature of the materials used for making the various components of this container and, on the other hand, to novel methods for obtaining some of said components.