Polymeric Closure Tie Articles for Metal Detector Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for banding and tagging merchandise lack efficient and cost-effective solutions for manufacturing durable tie articles with integrated printed information and closure devices, particularly in industrial and commercial applications, where metal detectors may be hindered by metal retention wires and material durability is a concern.

Innovation Solution

A tie article comprising an attachment portion with a connection segment, arm segments, and a closure device (such as a retention wire) encased between a printed sheet and a polymeric film, manufactured in a continuous in-line process, where the printed sheet and polymeric film are integrally formed to provide durability and visibility of printed information, and the closure device is chosen to avoid metal detection issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metal retention wires are used in tie articles, then the closure function is improved, but metal detectors are hindered and detection accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure functionVSAvoidmetal detector detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the metal retention wire from the tie article structure and replaces it with a polymeric closure device. This extraction of the metal component eliminates the interference with metal detectors while maintaining the essential closure function through the polymeric material that can still provide securing and binding capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the metal-based mechanical closure system with a polymeric mechanical closure system. The polymeric closure device replicates the mechanical securing function of metal retention wires but uses polymer material that is transparent to metal detectors, thereby resolving the detection conflict.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If polymeric closure devices are used instead of metal wires, then compatibility with metal detectors is improved, but closure strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemetal detector compatibilityVSAvoidclosure strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material construction for the polymeric closure device, combining multiple polymeric components or layers to achieve the necessary closure strength. This composite approach allows the polymeric material to match or exceed the mechanical performance of metal wires while maintaining detector compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical and mechanical parameters of the polymeric closure device, such as increasing its cross-sectional area, optimizing its geometric configuration, or selecting polymers with enhanced mechanical properties, to compensate for the inherently lower strength of polymeric materials compared to metals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If printed sheets with integrated closure devices are manufactured, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but material durability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidmaterial durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the printed sheet and closure device into a single integrated structure, where the closure device is formed as part of the printed sheet itself. This integration eliminates separate assembly steps, improving manufacturing efficiency while the unified structure ensures consistent material quality and durability throughout the tie article.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material construction in the integrated printed sheet, combining durable polymeric materials with printed layers to create a structurally sound product that maintains both manufacturing efficiency and material durability. The composite structure allows for optimized mechanical properties while enabling continuous manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 enables the production of durable tie articles that can securely bundle items while prominently displaying information, reducing manufacturing costs and time, and ensuring compatibility with metal detectors by using polymeric closure devices, thus addressing durability and detection concerns.

Implementation Method 1

a polymeric film adhered to the first surface of the printed sheet such that the closure device(s) is disposed between the first surface of the printed sheet and the polymeric film

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS10875349B2In-line labeling articles and methods of manufacture and use

Publication Date: 2020.12.29 BEDFORD IND INC

AI summary

A tie article that includes an attachment portion and a bib portion, where the bib portion includes at least one arm segment and at least one closure device (e.g., a retention wire, tin tie, clasp tie, and the like), where the attachment portion and the bib portion are integrally fabricated from a printed sheet having a first surface and a polymeric film adhered to the first surface of the printed sheet such that the closure device(s) is disposed between the first surface of the printed sheet and the polymeric film at the attachment portion. Multiple tie articles may be manufactured with an in-line process.