Thermoplastic Elastomer Welded Seams for 3D Bag Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for constructing three-dimensional structures from pliable elements, such as bags, face challenges in durability and resistance to liquids and particulates, with seams prone to ripping and requiring complex three-dimensional manipulation during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving thermoplastic elastomer strips for welding seams in a two-dimensional arrangement, using a thermoplastic elastomer strip to join panels with angled edges, providing superior resistance to water, oil, and fine particulates, and allowing for flattened storage and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sewing pieces of material together to construct a bag, then the bag can be assembled, but the seams are prone to ripping and have limited resistance to oil, water, and other liquids or fine particulates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sewing process with a thermal welding process using a thermoplastic elastomer strip. The strip is heated to melt and bond the panels together, eliminating the need for needle and thread. This thermal welding method creates seams that are more resistant to ripping and provide superior protection against liquids and particulates compared to traditional stitching.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite material system consisting of the thermoplastic elastomer strip combined with the panel materials. The thermoplastic elastomer strip acts as both the joining agent and the protective barrier, creating a composite seam structure that integrates structural bonding with liquid and particulate resistance in a single element.
2Ease of manufacture
If sewing pieces of material together to construct a bag, then the bag can be assembled, but the assembly requires three-dimensional manipulation which is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional assembly manipulation to two-dimensional planar welding. The panels and thermoplastic elastomer strip are arranged in a flat, two-dimensional configuration during the welding process, eliminating the need for complex three-dimensional manipulation. The thermoplastic elastomer strip is positioned in a planar arrangement with the panels before heating, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the ability to create three-dimensional bag structures after assembly.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If using traditional stitching to join panels, then the seams can be formed, but the resistance to oil, water, and other liquids or fine particulates is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoplastic elastomer strip functions as a flexible sealing film that bonds the panels together. This thin film structure provides continuous coverage over the seam area, creating an effective barrier against liquids and particulates. The flexibility of the elastomer material allows it to conform to the panel surfaces while maintaining its protective function, enhancing both liquid resistance and seam integrity.
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 solution enhances durability and resistance to liquids and particulates, simplifies the assembly process by allowing two-dimensional manipulation, and reduces manufacturing costs through efficient use of materials.
Implementation Method 1
thermally welding the first terminal bottom portion to the terminal end portion by heating the thermoplastic elastomer strip
Implementation Method 2
heating the thermoplastic elastomer strip
Data Source
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AI summary
A three-dimensional structure composed of pliable elements and having affixed seams is provided. The structure may comprise duffel bags, backpacks, shoe uppers, etc. The structure has a bottom panel with a first terminal bottom portion and a first end panel with a terminal end portion. As well, the first terminal bottom portion and the terminal end portion are affixed to each other in a flattened, two-dimensional arrangement by a variety of attachment methodologies including a thermoplastic elastomer strip. Two-dimensional construction saves time and helps to reduce manufacturing costs.