Phased Intermeshing Rollers for Leak-Resistant Trash Bag Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermoplastic films used in bags suffer from continuous deformation patterns leading to weakened seals and potential leaks due to zippering effects, especially when side seals are formed over areas with ring rolling or SELFing, resulting in inconsistent sealing and material thinning.
Innovation Solution
Thermoplastic bags with phased deformation patterns are created by aligning deformation zones relative to the bag's width, using intermeshing rollers configured to vary deformation patterns from one side to the other, and incorporating zones with tailored strength and aesthetic characteristics, including visual cues for different properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If continuous deformation patterns are applied across the entire bag width, then the film gains enhanced strength and elasticity, but the side seals become weakened due to zippering effects and material thinning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the deformation pattern application by creating distinct zones: a first zone with deformation patterns and a second zone without deformation patterns adjacent to the side seals. This segmentation prevents the continuous deformation from reaching the seal areas, eliminating the zippering effect while maintaining the strength benefits in the body of the bag.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving different regions of the bag different deformation characteristics. The first zone has deformation patterns for enhanced strength, while the second zone near the seals has no deformation patterns to ensure proper sealing. This localized differentiation allows each zone to have the properties needed for its specific function.
2Strength
If ring rolling or SELFing is performed across the entire film width, then the film gains desirable mechanical properties, but the side seal areas experience material thinning and weakened sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the film width into a first zone where ring rolling or SELFing is applied and a second zone where these processes are not applied. This segmentation prevents material thinning in the seal areas while maintaining the mechanical property enhancements in the body of the bag.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by restricting deformation patterns to specific zones. The first zone receives the full benefit of ring rolling or SELFing for enhanced mechanical properties, while the second zone near the seals remains undeformed to maintain uniform thickness and proper sealing capability.
3Strength
If deformation patterns extend to the side seal areas, then the entire bag surface gains enhanced properties, but the seals become inconsistent and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the deformation pattern coverage to exclude the side seal areas. By creating a clear boundary between the first zone with deformation patterns and the second zone without them, the patent ensures that seals are formed on uniform, undeformed material, guaranteeing consistent and reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different surface characteristics in different zones. The first zone has deformation patterns for enhanced strength, while the second zone has a smooth, uniform surface ideal for consistent sealing. This local differentiation ensures both overall strength and seal consistency.
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 phased deformation patterns enhance seal strength by eliminating deformations in seal areas, providing leak prevention and improved liquid containment through tailored zones that absorb forces before film failure, while maintaining or increasing strength with reduced material usage.
Implementation Method 1
Incremental stretching of a thermoplastic film typically involves running the film between grooved or toothed rollers. The grooves or teeth on the rollers intermesh and incrementally stretch the film as the film passes between the rollers.
Implementation Method 2
Another type of post formation deformation involves forming a structural elastic-like film (SELF). SELFing involves passing a film through intermeshing rollers that press a portion of the film out of plane to cause permanent deformation of the portion of the film in the Z-direction.
Data Source
AI summary
Thermoplastic bags with phased deformation patterns are described. In particular, one or more implementations comprise thermoplastic bags with ring rolling, SELFing, or other deformation patterns phased or aligned relative to the sides of the bags. The phased deformation patterns can allow for reducing or eliminating deformation patterns in areas of the thermoplastic bag in which side seals or other seals are formed. Additionally or alternatively, the phased deformation patterns can provide for zones that provide differing properties (e.g., functional or aesthetic). Such zones can vary aligned along a width of the thermoplastic bag and optionally also vary along a height of the thermoplastic bag. The differing zones can provide the thermoplastic bags with phased deformations that provide leak prevention, liquid containment, and other benefits.