Polymeric Multilayer Film Texture via Blown Film Orientation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing textured or structured polymeric films require unique patterned rolls or additional process steps, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric multilayer film with a random network of strands and connective regions, which can be produced without the need for unique patterned rolls or secondary processes, using a blown film process with an annular die to form a molten tube of film oriented radially via air pressure and pulled lengthwise to thin it to the desired thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a patterned chill roll is used to cast molten polymer, then the desired texture or structure is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to requiring specific patterned rolls for each texture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a non-patterned chill roll that can produce different textures by varying process parameters (draw ratio, cooling rate, polymer composition) rather than requiring different patterned rolls for each texture. The single chill roll serves multiple functions by adapting to different processing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes processing parameters (draw ratio, cooling rate, polymer composition) to achieve different textures and structures from the same non-patterned chill roll, eliminating the need for multiple patterned rolls.
2Shape
If embossing is used to add texture after film-making, then the desired structure is achieved, but the manufacturing time and process complexity increase due to additional process steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the texture formation action into the film-making process itself by using a non-patterned chill roll with specific draw ratios and cooling rates, rather than adding embossing as a subsequent step. The texture is formed preliminarily during extrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the film-forming and texture-creation processes into a single operation using the non-patterned chill roll, eliminating the separate embossing step required in conventional methods.
3Shape
If multiple process steps are used to produce textured film, then the desired functionality is achieved, but the productivity decreases due to multiple manufacturing stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines film extrusion and texture formation into a single continuous process using a non-patterned chill roll, eliminating intermediate steps and improving manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The texture is formed preliminarily during the extrusion process itself, eliminating the need for subsequent processing steps and increasing overall productivity.
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
This approach allows for the efficient production of textured films with adjustable layer structures and properties, such as optical density and porosity, suitable for various applications like tape and graphic articles, without the need for specialized equipment or additional processing steps.
Implementation Method 1
form a molten tube of film oriented radially via air pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Polymeric multilayer film comprising a layer exhibiting a random network of strands and connective regions that is separable from the remaining polymeric multilayer film. The polymeric multilayer films are useful, for example, for tape and graphic articles.