Stretchable Film for Phonographic Record Jacket Seam Split Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Phonographic record jackets often suffer from seam splits during shipping, which can significantly degrade the value of the record and jacket, as the record's movement within the jacket causes damage to the cardboard or paper stock, especially when the auxiliary sleeve does not provide adequate protection against the seam edge.

Innovation Solution

Applying a layer of stretchable film material around both the horizontal and vertical central axes of the outer record jacket to absorb energy from the record's movement and prevent seam splits, with the film being at least 1.5 inches wide and between 120 gauge and 40 gauge thick, which can be applied by hand or using automated equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the record is placed directly in the jacket without adequate protection, then the packaging simplicity is improved, but the seam split resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging simplicityVSAvoidseam split resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies stretchable film material to the interior surface of the jacket before inserting the record. This preliminary action creates a protective barrier that prevents the record from directly contacting and damaging the jacket seam, thereby resolving the contradiction between packaging simplicity and seam split resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The stretchable film material serves as an intermediary between the record and the jacket interior surface. This intermediary layer absorbs the mechanical stress and prevents direct contact that would cause seam splits, while maintaining the simplicity of the packaging structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a thick protective sleeve is used, then the seam split protection is improved, but the record shifting prevention deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseam split protectionVSAvoidrecord shifting prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a thin film of stretchable material applied to the jacket interior rather than a thick protective sleeve. This thin film provides seam split protection through its stretchability and energy absorption properties, while its thin profile allows the record to remain stable and prevented from shifting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The stretchable film material changes its physical parameters (stretching and conforming) to adapt to the record's presence. This allows the film to provide protection without creating the loose fit that would allow record shifting, resolving the contradiction between protection and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the jacket material is made thinner to reduce cost, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the seam strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidseam strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies stretchable film material to the jacket interior before inserting the record. This beforehand cushioning protects the seam from direct contact with the record, allowing the use of thinner, less expensive jacket material without compromising seam strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The stretchable film acts as an intermediary that protects the jacket seam from mechanical stress. This allows manufacturers to use thinner, more cost-effective jacket materials while the film compensates for the reduced inherent seam strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 stretchable film effectively prevents seam splits by distributing the energy of the record's movement, thereby protecting the record jacket from damage and maintaining its value, even when records are shipped in large quantities.

Implementation Method 1

applying at least one layer of stretchable film material capable of preventing a seam split around both a horizontal axis and a vertical axis of the outer record jacket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11505400B2Method for protecting an outer jacket of a phonographic record

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 SHANNON THOMAS

AI summary

A method for protecting an outer record jacket containing at least one record against a seam split comprises the step of applying at least one layer of stretchable film material capable of preventing a seam split around both a horizontal central axis and a vertical central axis of the outer record jacket containing at least one record.