Triangular Flute Embossed Medium for Corrugated Board

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional board production methods fail to harness the natural strength of paper fibers in the machine direction, leading to inefficient use of materials and reduced board strength due to cross-corrugation techniques that do not align with the fiber alignment.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for producing a board product with an embossed medium featuring a triangular flute pattern with linear leg support structures and a flat apex, aligned with the machine direction, which is combined with a cross-corrugated medium to enhance structural integrity and strength, using a linear embossing process that takes advantage of the paper's natural strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If cross-corrugation techniques are used to produce board products, then the board can be manufactured with conventional machines, but the natural strength of paper fibers in the machine direction is not harnessed, leading to reduced board strength

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemanufacturabilityVSAvoidboard strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of corrugating perpendicular to the machine direction (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by embossing flutes parallel to the machine direction. This inversion allows the paper fibers, which naturally align in the machine direction during continuous production, to work in alignment with the flute structure, thereby maximizing the inherent strength of the paper while maintaining manufacturability with conventional equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the critical parameter of flute orientation from perpendicular to parallel relative to the machine direction. This parameter change transforms the relationship between fiber alignment and flute structure, enabling the board to utilize the natural strength bias of the paper without requiring changes to the continuous paper production process or conventional embossing machinery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional sinusoidal flutes are used in corrugated medium, then the production process is simple, but the structural integrity and strength of the board product are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the conventional sinusoidal (curved) flute profile by introducing linear leg portions that extend parallel to the machine direction. This hybrid profile combines the curvature of traditional flutes with straight linear segments, creating a structure that maintains ease of production while significantly enhancing structural integrity through the added linear support elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite flute structure by combining two distinct geometric elements: the traditional sinusoidal curve and linear leg portions. This composite profile integrates the advantages of both curved and straight structures, providing enhanced load-bearing capacity and structural stability while remaining compatible with conventional embossing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If paper fibers are aligned in the machine direction during continuous production, then the paper production process is efficient, but cross-corrugation fails to utilize this natural strength bias

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidutilization of fiber strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by orienting the flute structure specifically parallel to the machine direction in the regions where paper fibers are naturally aligned. This localized alignment ensures that the flute structure directly corresponds to the fiber orientation in the critical load-bearing regions, maximizing the utilization of fiber strength without disrupting the efficient continuous production process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by aligning the flute embossing direction with the pre-existing fiber alignment that occurs during continuous paper production. Rather than attempting to realign fibers or change production methods, the solution prepares the flute structure in advance to match the naturally occurring fiber orientation, ensuring optimal strength utilization from the outset of board manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11446893B2System and method for producing a multi-layered board having a medium with improved structure
Publication Date: 2022.09.20 SCORRBOARD LLC
  • US11446893B2 patent drawing
  • US11446893B2 patent drawing
  • US11446893B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for producing a board product made from paper products that have embossed medium that features an improved structural profile. The improved structural profile may include a triangular flute pattern wherein each flute may exhibit a first linear leg support and a second linear leg support that each support a center apex structure. The apex may have a substantially flat portion that is configured to engage a facing. As such, the board product may further include one or more facings that are adhesively coupled to the embossed medium. Further, the apex of each “triangle” may also have a groove or channel for receiving an adhesive in a continuous and uniform manner.