3D-Printed Packaging Structure for Item-Specific Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retail and non-retail packaging solutions are often costly and inefficient, with specialized packaging designs increasing product costs and general-purpose packaging failing to adequately protect items during storage and transportation.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing 3-D printing technology to create customized packaging solutions that account for the specific characteristics of each item, including geometry, material, and anticipated forces, to generate both retail and non-retail packaging that provides enhanced protection and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized retail packaging is designed for each product, then product protection and appeal are improved, but design costs and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single packaging design that serves multiple functions: it acts as both retail packaging for consumer display and purchase, and as non-retail packaging for storage and shipping. The standardized container design can be reused across different products and distribution channels, eliminating the need for separate specialized packaging designs for each product type while maintaining adequate protection and appeal.
2Ease of manufacture
If general-purpose packaging supplies are used, then packaging cost and availability are improved, but item protection during storage and transportation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating specific protective features into the packaging design tailored to the characteristics of the items being packaged. The standardized container includes localized protection elements such as cushioning materials, compartmentalization, and structural reinforcements at critical areas where items are most vulnerable during storage and transportation, thereby providing adequate protection while maintaining general-purpose usability.
3Reliability
If customized packaging is created for each product, then item-specific protection is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by designing a universal packaging template that can be applied to multiple different items without requiring custom manufacturing for each product. The standardized container design maintains adequate item-specific protection through its general protective features while enabling high-volume production and rapid deployment across different products, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency and productivity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple packaging types are used for retail and non-retail purposes, then functional requirements are met, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single packaging system that fulfills both retail and non-retail functional requirements. The standardized container is designed to provide adequate protection during storage and transportation while also serving as attractive retail packaging for consumer display and purchase. This eliminates the need for separate packaging types and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the necessary adaptability for different uses.
Data Source
AI summary
Items may be packaged for shipping or storage using additive manufacturing techniques, also known as three dimensional (3-D) printing. Packages made by such processes may be referred to as 3-D printed packages and may include packing material printed at least partially around the item(s) and/or an outer cover printed about at least a portion of an exterior of the packing material and/or the item(s). A packaging system may include a 3-D printer and a computing device communicatively coupled to the 3-D printer. The computing device may obtain a packaging model describing a package for one or more items. A print module of the computing device may include instructions to print the package at least partially about the item(s) according to the packaging model.