Repulpable Insulating Mailers With Flexible Paper Thermal Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulating liners, bags, and mailers lack sustainability and effective thermal insulation properties, particularly for maintaining temperature-sensitive items during shipping and storage.
Innovation Solution
Development of repulpable insulating liners and bags comprising multiple layers of crepe paper or embossed tissue material, which are bonded to form a flexible structure with a movable insulating layer, allowing conversion into a box form and providing thermal insulation while being recyclable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional insulating materials are used in liners and bags, then thermal insulation properties are achieved, but sustainability and recyclability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional non-recyclable insulating materials to repulpable paper-based materials, maintaining insulation properties while enabling recyclability. The insulating layer uses compressed air pockets within paper structure to achieve thermal insulation comparable to traditional materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner comprises a composite structure with an outer layer and an inner insulating layer made of repulpable materials. This composite design combines the structural integrity needed for shipping with the insulation properties required, while both layers remain recyclable through pulping processes.
2Temperature
If rigid insulating structures are used, then effective thermal insulation is provided, but adaptability to different shipping containers and compact packaging is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating layer is designed to be compressible and expandable, transitioning from a compact state during shipping to an expanded state during use. The compressed air pockets within the paper structure allow the material to be densely packed for transport while expanding to provide effective insulation when deployed in shipping containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner uses flexible paper-based layers that can conform to different container shapes and sizes. The insulating layer acts as a flexible thermal barrier that adapts to various shipping container geometries while maintaining its insulation effectiveness through its air pocket structure.
3Strength
If non-recyclable materials are used for durability, then structural strength is improved, but environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition to repulpable paper-based materials that maintain sufficient structural strength for shipping applications. The outer layer provides durability while the inner insulating layer provides thermal protection, and both layers can be processed through pulping for recycling, eliminating harmful environmental impacts of traditional 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 ensures effective temperature maintenance for perishable goods and reduces environmental impact by being recyclable, while also minimizing shipping and storage costs through compact packaging.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating layer positioned within the pliable sealed housing and being of a size smaller than or equal to the first size and being movable relative to the pliable sealed housing, the insulating layer comprising multiple layers of crepe paper material
Data Source
AI summary
A repulpable insulated shipping liner, bag, or mailer includes a flexible sealed volume having a first layer and second layer sealed together to form a housing. An insulating layer made from repulpable cellulosic material is located within the housing and is configured to be folded so as to line the interior of a box or a container, and form an insulated container for shipping and/or storage.