Polymer Flange Hybrid Liner Bag for FIBC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foil laminate liner bags in flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) are prone to tearing due to needle punctures during sewing, necessitating labor-intensive bi-directional reinforcing tape applications to prevent tearing.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating polymer flanges made of polyethylene or polypropylene, which are resistant to tearing, between foil laminate sheets to serve as secure anchor points when sewing the liner bag to the FIBC, eliminating the need for tape reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If foil laminate liner bags are used for moisture control, then product protection is improved, but the bags become very susceptible to tearing from needle punctures during sewing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining foil laminate material (for moisture control) with polyethylene or polypropylene polymer flanges (for tear resistance). The foil laminate body provides moisture protection while the polymer flanges provide mechanical strength and puncture resistance at the sewing locations, creating a hybrid material solution that combines the advantages of both materials.
2Strength
If bi-directional reinforcing tape is applied to prevent tearing, then tear resistance is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes very labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reinforcing flange structure directly into the liner bag body as an integrated component rather than applying it separately. The polymer flanges are formed as part of the liner bag construction process, eliminating the need for separate tape application steps and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining tear resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer flanges are designed to be self-reinforcing structures that are inherently resistant to tearing. The flange geometry and material properties provide built-in strength without requiring additional reinforcing elements or complex manufacturing procedures, allowing the liner bag to reinforce itself during the sewing process.
3Strength
If extended flanges are used in the liner bag, then secure connection to the container is improved, but the foil laminate becomes susceptible to tearing from needle punctures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the liner bag. The body portion uses foil laminate for moisture control, while the flange portions use polyethylene or polypropylene polymer material specifically for resistance to needle punctures and tearing. This local differentiation of material quality allows each region to perform its specific function optimally.
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 polymer flanges provide a strong, tear-resistant anchor point, reducing the risk of seam tearing and simplifying the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming tape reinforcement, while allowing the use of optimal poly film materials for improved product protection.
Implementation Method 1
The vertical seal extends from the first end to the second end to join the two sheets
Implementation Method 2
two sheets of the liner bag and the polymer flange are configured to be joined via an adhesive or via heat sealing
Data Source
AI summary
A liner bag for, for example, a flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) includes a body portion formed by at least two sheets. The body portion has a first end and a second end defining a cavity therebetween. The first end has an opening for receiving a product. The liner bag also includes at least one seal (e.g., a vertical seal) joining the two sheets. The liner bag further includes at least one polymer flange secured to the two sheets and extending outward from the vertical seal to provide at least one fastening location to secure the liner bag to the container.