Sustainable Stretch Wrap Handle Using Bioplastics and Friction Braking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional stretch wrap handles are made from virgin polymers, contributing to plastic waste, and there is a need for more sustainable options that reduce petroleum-based raw material consumption.
Innovation Solution
Handles are produced from non-traditional polymers or natural materials such as recycled resins, bioplastics, natural rubbers, and fiber-based composites, which can be used with stretch wrap dispensers as separate devices or integrated into the core, featuring a braking mechanism and deformable walls for easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If virgin polymers are used to produce stretch wrap handles, then the handles have sufficient strength and durability, but plastic waste increases and petroleum-based raw material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by transitioning from virgin polymers to recycled resins and bioplastics. This involves adjusting material composition, mechanical properties, and chemical characteristics to achieve the required handle strength and durability while reducing plastic waste and petroleum-based raw material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining recycled resins with bioplastics or using fiber-based composites. These composite structures maintain the necessary mechanical strength and durability of traditional handles while incorporating sustainable materials that reduce environmental impact and plastic waste.
2Loss of substance
If non-traditional polymers or natural materials are used to produce handles, then plastic waste is reduced and sustainability is improved, but the handling characteristics and braking mechanism effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing specific regions of the handle with different material properties. The braking surface is engineered with specific friction characteristics, while the grip areas are designed for comfort and control. This localized optimization ensures that sustainable materials maintain effective handling characteristics and braking mechanism performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic properties by designing the handle walls to be deformable and responsive to user pressure. The material composition and structural design allow the handle to adapt to squeezing forces, providing feedback and control during operation while maintaining braking effectiveness through controlled friction.
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 use of sustainable materials reduces plastic waste, provides a functional braking mechanism, and allows for recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable options for stretch wrap dispenser handles, aligning with consumer demands for reduced environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the inner part of the handle touches the core, causing friction which then functions as a braking mechanism to stop the film dispenser from dispensing film
Implementation Method 2
the walls of the handle to be deformable so that they can be squeezed by pressure from a human hand, and when the pressure is released the walls are back in their normal place
Data Source
AI summary
A handle produced from non-traditional polymers or natural materials used for dispensing stretch film. The handle provides the same functionality as current options but reduces the amount of single use plastic waste associated with stretch film usage.