Viscoelastomeric Overlay for Flexible Stowage Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible containers are ineffective in immobilizing a wide range of items without specialized compartments, prone to deterioration, and often require securing means to maintain their rolled-up configuration, lacking antipathogenic and reusable properties.
Innovation Solution
A flexible container equipped with an antipathogenic, viscoelastomeric, cohesive, and releasable adhesive thermoset polymer overlay that securely holds items without leaving residue, eliminating the need for specific compartments and securing means, and can be washed for repeated use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compartmentalized sections are used to immobilize specific items, then item restraint effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and susceptibility to deterioration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the immobilization function from complex compartmentalized structures and concentrates it into a single adhesive overlay layer applied to the container interior surface, eliminating the need for multiple pockets and divisions while maintaining effective item restraint
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite material structure consisting of an adhesive overlay layer combined with a flexible container base, where the adhesive layer provides immobilization functionality while the flexible base maintains container durability and reusability
2Illumination intensity
If clear plastic pockets are used to reveal stowed items, then visibility is improved, but structural durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the clear plastic pocket structure entirely and replaces it with an adhesive overlay that can be applied directly to the flexible container interior, eliminating the durability issues of plastic pockets while preserving item visibility through the flexible material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a flexible thin film overlay with adhesive properties that provides both structural integrity and item visibility, replacing the rigid clear plastic pockets with a flexible alternative that maintains durability
3Stability of the object's composition
If straps or strings are used to secure rolled-up configuration, then container stability is improved, but device complexity and loss of substance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the container to secure itself in a rolled-up configuration through the adhesive properties of the overlay, which adheres to both the container surface and the rolled edges, eliminating the need for external straps or strings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the securing function with the existing adhesive overlay layer, merging the immobilization and configuration maintenance functions into a single integrated component rather than requiring separate securing mechanisms
4Reliability
If specialized compartments are designed for specific items, then item restraint effectiveness is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive overlay provides a universal immobilization surface that can accommodate items of various sizes, shapes, and weights, replacing specialized compartments with a single multi-functional adhesive layer that adapts to different storage needs
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 provides universal item immobilization, maintains the container's structural integrity, prevents microbial growth, and allows for easy item retrieval and storage without compromising the container's functionality over time.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive and cohesive viscoelastomeric thermoset overlay which adhesively restrains an item stowed within the flexible container
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive and cohesive viscoelastomeric thermoset overlay which adhesively restrains an item stowed within the flexible container
Data Source
AI summary
A unique flexible container combination comprises a viscoelastomeric thermoset overlay disposed upon a flexible supportive base. Desirably, the viscoelastomeric thermoset overlay possesses exceptional adhesive, cohesive and releasability properties. In some embodiments, the flexible container combination can also exhibit antipathogenic, cleansability and/or reusability properties. The flexible container combination can maintain an adhered stowable item in an immobilized position until intentionally removed therefrom by a user. In some embodiments, the flexible container combination can be folded or rolled into a rolled-up configuration.