Adaptable Foam Grid Inserts With Self-Resetting Protective Pegs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective case inserts do not effectively secure and protect valuable or fragile items by providing adaptable, adjustable cushioning that supports the item from both sides and the bottom during transport, as they lack movable pegs that can be depressed to form a protective cradle for an item. Existing technologies do not effectively secure and protect valuable or fragile items by providing adaptable, adjustable, adjustable cushioning that supports the item from both sides and the bottom during transport, as they lack movable pegs that can be depressed to form a protective cradle.
Innovation Solution
An omni, resettable foam grid system with an elevated grid plate and pegs that can be depressed to create a protective cavity around the item, using pegs that are slightly larger than the openings in the grid plate, allowing them to be secured from the bottom and sides by friction, and a lower perimeter frame or stepped pegs to elevate the grid plate above the case bottom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed protective inserts are used, then the case provides basic protection, but the insert cannot adapt to different item shapes and sizes, reducing versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is divided into a grid plate with multiple individual pegs rather than a solid fixed structure. Each peg can be independently depressed to match the contours of different items, allowing the system to adapt to various shapes and sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The pegs are designed to be movable and deformable rather than fixed. When an item is placed on the grid plate, the pegs depress and conform to the item's shape, providing dynamic adaptation to different geometries without requiring multiple pre-configured inserts
2Reliability
If fixed protective inserts are used, then the structure is simple, but the insert cannot provide adjustable cushioning from all sides, reducing protection effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The protective mechanism is segmented into multiple independent pegs distributed across the grid plate. This segmentation allows each peg to independently provide cushioning from the bottom and sides of the item, achieving comprehensive protection without requiring a complex pre-formed cavity structure
Solution Approach 2:
The pegs automatically adjust their position and provide cushioning based on the item placed on them. When an item is set down on the grid plate, the pegs naturally depress and conform to the item's shape, providing self-adjusting protection from all sides without requiring manual configuration or complex mechanisms
3Productivity
If reusable protective inserts are used, then resource efficiency improves, but the insert must be easily resettable, adding operational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The pegs are designed to automatically return to their original upright position after an item is removed. This self-resetting mechanism eliminates the need for manual reconfiguration, making the insert easily reusable without adding operational complexity for the user
Solution Approach 2:
The insert system allows for easy recovery and reuse of the protective structure. After use, the pegs naturally return to their initial state, allowing the same insert to be quickly prepared for the next item without requiring disassembly, cleaning, or complex resetting procedures
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 system provides secure, adaptable, and reusable protection for valuable or fragile items by allowing pegs to be depressed into the negative space, creating a protective cavity that supports the item from all sides and the bottom, with the lid closing to secure it further, ensuring protection during transport.
Implementation Method 1
The pegs are held in the grid by friction, allowing them to also be elevated/suspended, above a negative space at the bottom of the case
Implementation Method 2
As the pegs are pushed further into the bottom of the case, they compress and offer even greater protection to the bottom of the item
Implementation Method 3
The pegs can be the same size as the holes, or, preferably, even slightly bigger, so that when they are moved up or down, they are made secure in their new location through the compressibility of the substance from which they are made
Data Source
AI summary
An omni foam grid system for insertion into a protective case has a grid plate sandwiched between a lower perimeter frame, or series of stepped pegs, and an upper perimeter frame. The grid plate has a lattice that forms round or square holes, into which round or square pegs are frictionally inserted. The lower perimeter frame or a series of stepped pegs position the grid plate above the bottom of the case, such that when an object such as a gun or drone is pressed into the invention, the pegs under the invention depress into the negative space, leaving undepressed pegs on all sides of the object to prevent lateral movement during transport in the case. The lid of the case closes upon the object, thereby securing and protecting it with foam on all sides.