Slit Sheet Paper Outlet Geometry for Stable Void Fill Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies are unable to effectively create void fill products using expanded slit sheet paper in an efficient and automated manner, particularly when made from recyclable materials like corrugated boxes, and fail to maintain the expanded state of the paper without significant retraction.
Innovation Solution
A void fill dispenser system that stabilizes a roll of extensible slit sheet paper at its center, utilizing a specially designed outlet with frictional resistance to prevent premature tearing and enable the paper to expand into an expanded state with open cells, allowing it to twist and fold without retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If expanded slit sheet paper is dispensed through a conventional outlet, then the paper can be dispensed, but the paper undergoes significant retraction and cannot maintain its expanded state
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet geometry parameters are specifically changed to create a configuration that provides frictional resistance. The outlet has a specific shape and size relationship to the slit sheet paper that generates the necessary friction to counteract retraction forces and maintain the expanded state during dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet acts as an intermediary element between the paper roll and the dispensed paper. It provides frictional resistance that serves as a mediating force to prevent premature tearing and maintain expansion, without being part of the final void fill product itself.
2Productivity
If the slit sheet paper is pulled from the center of the roll, then the paper can be dispensed continuously, but the paper may tear prematurely without sufficient frictional resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet parameters (geometry, size, shape) are optimized to provide the exact amount of frictional resistance needed. This prevents premature tearing while allowing continuous pulling from the center of the roll, maintaining both paper integrity and productivity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the outlet provides frictional resistance to maintain expansion, then the paper expands properly, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the paper from the center of the roll, provides frictional resistance to prevent tearing, maintains the expanded state, and enables continuous dispensing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting complexity increase.
4Productivity
If automated dispensing is implemented, then productivity increases, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet design enables the system to self-regulate the friction and expansion process without requiring complex automated control mechanisms. The geometric parameters of the outlet automatically provide the necessary frictional resistance, allowing automated dispensing to be implemented with simpler control systems.
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 system enables the creation of a highly effective void fill product by maintaining the expanded state of slit sheet paper, providing superior cushioning without the need for secondary steps like rolling or wrapping, and can be automated for efficient use.
Implementation Method 1
said outlet including a plurality of inwardly extending projections configured to provide frictional resistance to the expandable slit sheet paper to cause the expandable slit sheet paper to expand into an expanded state with open cells
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a dispenser for expanding and dispensing paper void fill is provided. In some examples, the dispenser includes: a supply of expandable slit sheet paper; a support for holding the supply of expandable slit sheet paper; a friction member arranged proximate the supply of expandable slit sheet paper and arranged such that an end of the expandable slit sheet paper contacts the friction member as the expandable slit sheet paper is manually or automatically pulled based said friction member; and the friction member including a plurality of inwardly extending projections configured to provide frictional resistance to the expandable slit sheet paper to cause the expandable slit sheet paper to expand into an expanded state with open cells.