Reusable Sealing Device for Plastic Courier Bags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plastic courier bags are not reusable and end up in waste due to the damage caused by cutting or tearing the sealing flap, leading to environmental issues and wastefulness.
Innovation Solution
A reusable sealing device featuring an elongated release base member with a separation line, double-sided adhesive, and reinforcing tapes that allow the bag to be sealed and opened multiple times without damage, comprising a base piece and pull strip with protrusions for easy removal and perforated lines for easy tearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional adhesive sealing is used on plastic courier bags, then the bag can be sealed, but the bag cannot be reused because cutting or tearing the sealing flap damages the bag
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is divided into three functional segments: a base piece that remains on the bag, a pull strip that is removed, and a reinforcing tape that stays on the bag. This segmentation allows the sealing mechanism to be separated from the opening mechanism, enabling the bag to be opened without damaging the sealing flap or bag structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The perforated lines are pre-formed on the pull strip to indicate and facilitate easy tearing. The reinforcing tape is pre-applied to the sealing flap before sealing, providing structural support that prevents damage during subsequent opening operations. These preliminary preparations enable clean, damage-free opening and reuse.
2Reliability
If multiple sealing devices are applied to the same bag, then the bag can be reused multiple times, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is designed as a universal component that can be applied multiple times to the same bag. Each sealing device consists of standardized base pieces, pull strips, and reinforcing tapes that work together as a complete sealing system. The modular design allows multiple identical units to be applied without increasing operational complexity, as each unit functions independently and identically.
3Ease of operation
If the pull strip is made easy to tear with perforated lines, then the bag can be opened quickly, but the adhesive bond strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The perforated lines are placed only in specific locations on the pull strip where tearing is desired, while the adhesive coverage is optimized in other areas to maintain bond strength. The base piece has adhesive on its entire surface for strong bonding, while the pull strip has adhesive only where needed for sealing, with perforated sections designed for easy tearing. This localized differentiation allows both easy opening and strong bonding.
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 the plastic courier bag to be quickly and conveniently opened and reused multiple times, reducing waste and environmental impact by allowing multiple applications of the sealing device and reinforcing tapes.
Implementation Method 1
a double-sided adhesive layer having a first adhesive piece and a second adhesive piece on two major sides of the double-sided adhesive layer, respectively, where the first adhesive piece is for adhering to a major side of the release base member, the second adhesive piece is for adhering to an inner side of a sealing flap of the plastic courier bag
Data Source
AI summary
The sealing device involves an elongated release base member having a separation line along the release base member's length. A double-sided adhesive layer is attached to a side of the release base member so that the release base member may adhere to an inner side of a plastic courier bag's sealing flap and seal the plastic courier bag. A reinforcing tape may be further applied to an outer side of the plastic courier bag's sealing flap. The plastic courier bag may be quickly and conveniently opened by tearing down a pull strip of the sealing device. The plastic courier bag may be reused multiple times by applying new, unused sealing devices.