Stretch Wrap Handle Formation for Product Packs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing packs of products with handles are costly and unreliable, particularly when using stretchable plastic film, as they require adhesive materials and dedicated equipment, and the handles can break or tear the film due to inadequate contact surface area.
Innovation Solution
A process and device that form a handle by wrapping a plastic film around bound products, using commercially available stretch wrap film without adhesives, where the film is gathered to a reduced width to create a handle, allowing for cost-effective and reliable handling without the need for specialized equipment or heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adhesive handles are attached to packs, then handling ease is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase due to dedicated equipment and adhesive materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the handle function with the packaging film itself by forming an integral handle structure that is part of the stretch wrap film. This eliminates the need for separate handle components and adhesive attachment processes, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining handling ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretch wrap film serves multiple functions: it binds the products together and simultaneously forms the handle structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated handle manufacturing equipment and adhesive materials, reducing overall system complexity while providing effective handling capability.
2Ease of operation
If adhesive handles are used, then handling ease is improved, but reliability decreases due to film tearing and handle breaking
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the handle and packaging film into a single integral structure, the patent eliminates the interface between handle and film where tearing and breaking occur. The handle is formed from the same continuous stretch wrap material, ensuring uniform strength and reliability throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the inherent properties of stretch wrap film to create a handle that combines flexibility with strength. The elastic nature of the stretch wrap material allows the handle to deform under load and return to its original shape, preventing permanent damage and enhancing reliability.
3Ease of operation
If separate handles with adhesives are attached, then handling ease is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines handle formation with the packaging process itself, eliminating separate handle attachment steps. The handle is formed integrally with the stretch wrap film during the normal wrapping operation, thereby maintaining manufacturing efficiency while providing effective handling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretch wrap film performs dual functions of product binding and handle formation in a single continuous process. This eliminates the need for dedicated handle manufacturing and attachment equipment, reducing manufacturing time and cost while maintaining handling effectiveness.
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
This method simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces costs, and provides a strong, reliable handle that can bear the weight of the pack without damaging the plastic film, enhancing handling ease and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
forming a handle by wrapping a plastic film around the bound products over at least one turn in which the plastic film covers at least most of the bottom side and is gathered to a reduced width over the top side to form the handle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a process for manufacturing a pack of products (1) having a bottom side (2) and an opposite top side (3), comprising a handle (5) formed over the top side (3) and adapted to be grasped by hand, wherein the process comprises the following steps:—providing the products (1) to be packaged;—fitting a binding structure around the products (1) to bind them;—forming a handle (5) by wrapping a plastic film (4) around the bound products (1) over at least one turn, the plastic film (4) covering at least most of the bottom side (2) and being gathered to a reduced width over the top side (3) to form the handle (5). The present invention is also directed to a device for manufacturing a pack of products (1).