Recyclable Ball Can With Roughened Surface for Material Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball cans for sports balls, particularly those made of plastic with aluminum closures, are not easily recyclable due to mixed materials and printing, which complicates the recycling process and reduces the purity of recycled materials.
Innovation Solution
A ball can design featuring a roughened surface on the can wall with a partially exposed layer of another material, such as a sticker or band, to facilitate material recognition during recycling, and using water-soluble adhesive to separate components easily, ensuring minimal contamination and efficient recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the can wall is made transparent or printed to identify balls inside, then the visibility and marketing appeal is improved, but the recyclability and material purity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The can wall is divided into two distinct sections: a first section that is transparent for visibility and a second section with a roughened surface for recycling identification. This segmentation allows each section to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the can wall are given different properties: the first section is transparent with smooth surface for visibility, while the second section has a roughened surface for material recognition during recycling. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between visibility and recyclability.
2Loss of information
If a layer of another material is applied to the can wall for marking, then the identification and branding is improved, but the material separation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The layer of another material is applied only to the second section with the roughened surface, not the entire can wall. This localized application maintains marking functionality while minimizing interference with material separation during recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The layer of another material serves its marking purpose and can be easily removed or separated during recycling, acting as a temporary marking element that does not permanently complicate the material structure.
3Area of stationary object
If the entire can wall is covered with marking material, then the branding coverage is improved, but the material recognition accuracy during recycling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The can wall is segmented into a first transparent section and a second section with roughened surface and marking material. This ensures that the roughened surface area remains exposed for accurate material recognition while the marking material is applied in a controlled manner.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of covering the entire can wall with marking material, only the second section is covered, leaving the roughened surface partially exposed. This partial coverage maintains both branding functionality and recycling identification accuracy.
4Strength
If adhesive is applied over the entire surface for attaching marking material, then the attachment strength is improved, but the separation ease and contamination level worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Adhesive is applied only in specific areas rather than over the entire surface, creating localized bonding points. This reduces the total adhesive amount and facilitates easier separation during recycling while maintaining sufficient attachment strength for the marking material.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a ball can which can be particularly well recycled.