Repulpable Reclosable Bag Zipper With Foamed Air Cavities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plastic bags with zippers degrade slowly due to the thickness difference between the film and zipper flanges, leading to increased plastic waste, and existing bioresins do not adequately address degradation issues while maintaining desired qualities.
Innovation Solution
A zipper for reclosable bags is formed with air cavities and a cellulose-based filler, which can be foamed to increase solubility and reduce polymeric binder use, allowing for improved biodegradability, recyclability, and repulpability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional zippers with flanges are used in plastic bags, then the zipper provides reclosable functionality, but the zipper degrades much slower than the film due to its greater thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The zipper is constructed with a foamed structure containing numerous air cavities throughout its body. This porous configuration dramatically reduces the effective material thickness from the exterior surface to the functional interlocking elements, enabling the zipper to degrade at rates comparable to thin plastic films while preserving all necessary mechanical functions including interlocking, sliding, and reclosing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The zipper employs a composite construction combining a foamed polymer base material with integrated interlocking elements. The foamed structure provides reduced degradation time while the interlocking elements maintain mechanical strength and functionality. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of biodegradability and functional reliability
2Duration of action of stationary object
If bioresins are used to facilitate degradation, then degradation is improved, but desired qualities such as mechanical strength and functionality are not adequately maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the zipper material by introducing a foamed structure with controlled cell sizes and distributions. This parameter modification reduces the effective material density and thickness while maintaining sufficient mechanical properties through the geometric configuration of the foam structure and the design of interlocking elements positioned at strategic locations
3Strength
If the zipper material is made thicker to ensure durability and functionality, then mechanical strength is improved, but degradation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The zipper is segmented into functional zones: interlocking elements at the edges for mechanical engagement, a foamed body providing structural support with reduced mass, and integrated sliding mechanisms. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while the overall structure achieves both durability and rapid degradation through the foamed configuration
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 zipper design enhances biodegradability, recyclability, and compostability, meeting industry standards and reducing plastic waste by incorporating air cavities and cellulose filler, thus facilitating faster degradation.
Implementation Method 1
the air cavities are formed through foaming
Data Source
AI summary
A zipper for a reclosable bag includes a first interlocking element, and a second interlocking element. The first interlocking element and the second interlocking element are configured to cooperate to selectively open and close the zipper. One or both of the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element are formed of at least 85% repulpable material.