Reusable Adhesive Clasp Envelope Sealing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing envelope sealing systems are either single-use, expensive, prone to breakage, or require additional postage, as they either use non-reusable adhesives or metallic clasps that are costly and not durable for repeated use.
Innovation Solution
A reusable adhesive system with a flap having a small rectangular opening with circular protrusions, featuring a first adhesive with a releasable surface and a second adhesive for sealing and unsealing without damaging the envelope, allowing multiple uses without additional postage costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a metallic clasp sealing system is used, then the envelope can be opened and closed multiple times, but the manufacturing cost increases and additional postage fees are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by replacing the expensive metallic clasp with a simulated clasp design made of adhesive material. The adhesive clasp mimics the appearance and functional effect of a metal clasp but is manufactured at much lower cost using standard envelope manufacturing processes, thereby achieving reusability without the high manufacturing costs associated with actual metal components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical metallic clasp system with an adhesive-based sealing system. Instead of using metal protrusions that mechanically engage with holes, the invention uses adhesive strips that bond to the envelope surface, replacing the mechanical fastening mechanism with a chemical bonding mechanism that achieves the same sealing function at lower cost
2Duration of action of moving object
If a metallic clasp sealing system is used, then the envelope can be opened and closed multiple times, but the clasp is subject to breakage after only a few folds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from a rigid metallic material to a flexible adhesive material. The adhesive clasp can be repeatedly applied and removed without the structural fatigue and breakage that plagues metal clasps after multiple folding cycles. The adhesive's ability to be repositioned and reapplied maintains its sealing effectiveness over many more cycles than metal components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible adhesive strips instead of rigid metal clasps. The adhesive material can flex and conform to the envelope surface during repeated opening and closing operations without cracking or breaking, providing superior durability and reliability for multiple reuse cycles compared to brittle metallic components
3Duration of action of moving object
If a metallic clasp sealing system is used, then the envelope can be opened and closed multiple times, but the envelope does not lie perfectly flat making printing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the protruding mechanical metal clasp structure with a flat adhesive strip that bonds flush to the envelope surface. This substitution eliminates the three-dimensional metal components that cause the envelope to bulge or not lie flat, allowing the envelope to maintain a smooth, flat profile suitable for printing while still providing reusable sealing capability through the adhesive mechanism
4Ease of manufacture
If a standard adhesive sealing system is used, then the envelope is cheap to manufacture, but the adhesive cannot be reused and the envelope is destroyed upon opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the adhesive sealing system into distinct functional components: a reusable adhesive clasp component and a disposable adhesive backing component. The clasp portion can be removed, reused, and reapplied multiple times, while the backing remains on the envelope. This segmentation allows the inexpensive adhesive materials to provide reusable functionality that standard single-use adhesives cannot achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by allowing the adhesive clasp to be removed (discarded from its initial position) and then reapplied (recovered) to different locations or the same location on the envelope. This enables multiple sealing cycles using the same adhesive material, transforming a single-use adhesive into a reusable sealing system while maintaining low manufacturing costs
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
Enables multiple openings and closings of the envelope without damage, reducing manufacturing costs and allowing flat printing, while avoiding extra postal fees.
Implementation Method 1
A first adhesive has an adhesive layer on one side and a releasable surface on the opposite side... A second adhesive covers the opening on the outside of the flap. The envelope is sealed when the flap is pressed against the front panel causing the second adhesive to adhere to the releasable surface layer of the first adhesive.
Data Source
AI summary
A resealable envelope is composed of a front panel and a rear panel attached to the front panel forming an interior pouch between the front panel and rear panel. A flap extends from the rear panel, the flap having an opening having an elongated width with two circular protrusions emanating from the top and bottom of the elongated width; the opening having a width greater than its height. A first adhesive has an adhesive layer on one side and a releasable surface layer an opposite side. The first adhesive is located at the top portion of the front panel such that the opening is in contact with the first adhesive when the flap is closed. A second adhesive strip is located on the outside of the flap over the opening such that the envelope is sealed when the flap is pressed against the resealable surface layer of the first adhesive.