Stretching Film Bundle Handle via Counter-Rotating Coils
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic film wrapping methods for bundles of containers, such as bottles, face challenges in providing a strong and comfortable handle that is inexpensive and resistant to elongation under load, while also being easy to open and transport, especially with stretching film that retains residual elasticity.
Innovation Solution
The use of two counter-rotating coils of stretching plastic film with crosswise slits in the depressed areas of the wrapping creates a central creasing effect that provides a robust and comfortable handle, inhibiting cut propagation and enhancing material curling around the central bottles, which forms a gripping element with sufficient resistance and rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If stretching film is used for wrapping bundles, then the wrapping process is simpler and less expensive, but the film retains residual elasticity causing unwanted elongation under load
Solution Approach 1:
The film is pre-cut with slits before wrapping, creating predetermined weak points that control where the film will stretch and deform. This preliminary action prevents unpredictable elongation under load while maintaining the simplicity of using stretching film without heat-shrinking equipment
2Ease of operation
If a handle is added to the bundle, then gripping comfort is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is merged with the wrapping film itself rather than being a separate accessory. The film is folded back and glued to create an integrated handle structure, eliminating the need for additional handle components and simplifying manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The wrapping film serves dual functions: it provides the primary wrapping function and simultaneously forms the handle structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining gripping comfort
3Ease of operation
If cuts are made in the wrapping film for opening facilitation, then ease of opening is improved, but the bundle may accidentally break during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The film is cut with slits only in specific depressed areas where stress is naturally concentrated during normal handling. This localized cutting approach allows easy opening at these specific points while the rest of the film maintains its integrity and continues to provide structural support
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 solution results in a highly effective, comfortable, and inexpensive handle that prevents unwanted elongation during transport, maintaining bundle stability and ease of opening, while utilizing stretching film with optimal elongation features to minimize material usage and handling stress.
Implementation Method 1
these films, maintain by their nature a certain residual elasticity after the application and hence tend to unduly elongate following a concentrated load
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A wrapped bundle package of a group of containers is disclosed,in particular an array of drink bottles, comprising a multiple-layer wrapping of plastic film made of stretching plastic material applied by stretching around said containers, wherein said layers of plastic film are in the form of at least one pair of counter-rotating coils arranged with an oblique angle ranging between 60° and 80°, with respect to a same axis of the bundle, and in that in said wrapping two transversal cuts are provided, on opposite sides of a row of containers located in a centre of gravity area of the package, arranged so as to release elastic tension in the film which allow a curling of plastic film edges at least towards a central creasing band (F) acting as gripping handle.