Adaptive Tray Retaining Mechanism for Variable-Size Parcel Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions struggle to adapt to objects of varying sizes and shapes, leading to inadequate protection, increased costs due to the need for multiple packaging sizes, and environmental impact from unnecessary packaging materials.
Innovation Solution
A package design featuring a tray with a frame and a central part connected by flexible links and joints, allowing the tray to deform and adapt to the shape of each object, ensuring secure retention without damaging the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If foam panels are used as retaining means, then the object can be protected and held in position, but the thickness increases and occupies a major part of the internal volume of the box
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means is designed as a dynamic structure with a tray that can deform and adapt its shape. The central part comprises multiple plates connected by flexible connections and articulations, allowing the structure to change configuration from a flat state during insertion to a deformed state for retention, thus providing protection without permanently occupying excessive volume
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining means utilizes elastic deformation of the plates and flexible connections to change its physical state. During insertion, the structure remains relatively flat; during retention, it deforms elastically to conform to the object's shape, providing protection while minimizing permanent volume occupation
2Adaptability or versatility
If a box suitable for large items is used for small items, then the same package can be reused, but the foam does not properly deform and the small item may move within the internal volume
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic tray structure with flexible connections and articulations allows the retaining means to adapt its deformation to objects of varying sizes. The elastic plates can conform to both small and large objects within the same box, ensuring proper retention and protection regardless of object size, thus maintaining reliability while enabling package reusability
3Reliability
If a large object is introduced into a box intended for small objects, then the package may become unusable due to insufficient space, but the object can still be protected
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable tray structure can adjust its configuration to accommodate objects of different sizes. The flexible connections and articulations allow the central part to deform adequately even for larger objects, ensuring the lid can close properly while still providing protection, thus maintaining both reliability and adaptability
4Adaptability or versatility
If heat is used to deform the plastic envelope, then the material shrinks and stiffens on contact with the object, but specific heating equipment and training are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal deformation process with a mechanical deformation system. The tray uses elastic plates connected by mechanical articulations and flexible connections that deform through mechanical means rather than heat, eliminating the need for specialized heating equipment and training while achieving similar adaptive retention
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the physical state through heat, the system uses elastic deformation of the plates. The material remains in the same phase but changes its shape elastically through mechanical force applied during insertion, making the process accessible to everyone without specialized equipment
5Adaptability or versatility
If the envelope is attached to the bottom of the box and heated, then the envelope deforms, but excessive heat can destroy the cardboard box by burning it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the thermal process entirely by using a mechanical deformation system with elastic plates and articulations. This substitution removes the harmful thermal effect that could damage the cardboard box while achieving the same adaptive retention function through mechanical means
6Reliability
If multiple packages are planned for different sizes, then each object can be properly protected, but the cost and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal retaining means that can adapt to objects of various sizes within the same box. The elastic tray structure with flexible connections serves multiple functions: it provides protection for different sized objects, enables package reusability, and eliminates the need for multiple specialized packages, thus reducing material waste and environmental impact
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 package automatically adjusts to the characteristics of each object, providing effective protection without increasing the package size or weight, thus reducing transportation costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the central part comprises a plurality of plates, each plate being connected to the frame by the flexible connection on the one hand and to at least one other plate by an articulation on the other hand
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a parcel (1) comprising a box (2) having a bottom (21) and means for retaining at least one object on the bottom (21), the retaining means comprising a tray (4), characterised in that the tray (4) comprises: - a frame to which the return means (5) are connected, and - a central portion which is connected to the frame by means of at least one flexible connection, the central portion comprising a plurality of plates which are connected to the frame by the flexible connection and to at least one other plate by a hinge.