Tissue Stack Zigzag Fold for Reliable Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towel packaging designs often result in uneven packing and difficulty in removing towels, especially when wet, due to the uneven pulling out of towels, which can lead to incomplete removal or leaving subsequent towels inside the package.
Innovation Solution
The towel package is designed with a zigzag fold mechanism where the upper towel takes the next towel with it when pulled out, ensuring reliable removal by adjusting the package width and overlapping length to match the chemical composition of wet wipes, allowing for easy extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If towels are packed tightly to improve space utilization, then packing density increases, but towel removal becomes difficult and incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The towel is divided into multiple sections with different fold patterns. The first section has a first fold pattern that allows it to be easily pulled out, while the second section has a second fold pattern that remains packed. This segmentation enables selective removal of towels without disturbing the entire pack.
Solution Approach 2:
The fold patterns are designed to be dynamic - the first section's fold pattern transforms from a compact state to an extended state during removal, while the second section maintains its compact state. This dynamic behavior facilitates easy removal while maintaining high packing density.
2Reliability
If overlap length is increased to ensure towel follows through, then removal reliability improves, but package width and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the towel have different local qualities in terms of fold patterns. The first section has a specific fold pattern optimized for engagement and pulling out, while the second section has a different fold pattern optimized for remaining compact. This local differentiation achieves reliable removal without increasing overall package complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fold patterns are pre-configured during packaging to create the necessary engagement structure. The first section's fold pattern is preliminarily arranged to engage with the second section, ensuring that when the first section is pulled, it automatically drags the second section along without requiring additional structural elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If chemical composition of wet wipes is adjusted for performance, then wipe effectiveness improves, but reliable removal through overlap becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The towel is segmented into two sections with different fold patterns that serve different functions. This segmentation allows the chemical composition to be optimized for performance while the mechanical fold structure handles the removal reliability, decoupling these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fold pattern structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the chemical properties of the wipe and the mechanical action of removal. The fold patterns ensure reliable physical engagement and dragging motion, while the chemical composition independently provides wipe effectiveness, allowing both to work together without interference.
Data Source
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AI summary
The tissue package consists of stacked tissues (102, 109), wherein tissue sections are superimposed. In order to remove said tissues reliably from the packaging, irrespectively of the position thereof within the tissue package, each tissue has at least one zig-zag fold (104, 105, 107) having a width ranging from about 10% to 100% of the package width (101). The package width and the dimension of the superimposition of stacked tissues (102, 109) are adjusted by regulating the width of the zig-zag fold (104, 105, 107) such that each time an upper tissue is removed from the packaging a subsequent tissue is reliably entrained.