Air-Packing Device Shock Absorption via Folded Air Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Styrofoam packing materials are not recyclable, produce soot when burned, are brittle, and require expensive molds and large storage spaces, while existing air-packing devices lack effective shock absorption for sensitive products during transportation.
Innovation Solution
An air-packing device composed of inflatable thermoplastic films with multiple air containers and check valves, where the films are bonded at specific points to create a unique folding structure that absorbs shocks and vibrations by using compressed air to form a protective, cushioned space around the product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If Styrofoam packing material is used, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but recyclability deteriorates and storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by inflating air containers with compressed air to create a cushioning packing structure. The air-filled containers provide thermal insulation and shock absorption while being made from recyclable plastic films, eliminating the need for Styrofoam and enabling full recyclability of the packing material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the packing material from solid (Styrofoam) to gas-filled (air containers). By transforming the packing structure from expanded polystyrene foam to inflatable plastic containers filled with air, the system achieves comparable insulation properties while improving recyclability and reducing material consumption.
2Temperature
If Styrofoam packing material is used, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by inflating air containers with compressed air to create a cushioning packing structure. The air-filled containers provide thermal insulation and shock absorption while being made from recyclable plastic films, eliminating the need for Styrofoam and enabling full recyclability of the packing material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the packing material from solid (Styrofoam) to gas-filled (air containers). By transforming the packing structure from expanded polystyrene foam to inflatable plastic containers filled with air, the system achieves comparable insulation properties while improving recyclability and reducing material consumption.
3Device complexity
If conventional air-packing device structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but shock absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air-packing device into multiple independent air containers (first, second, third containers) with different internal structures. Each container is segmented into multiple air cells separated by partition walls, creating a modular system that provides enhanced shock absorption while maintaining relatively simple construction using basic plastic films and bonding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural configurations to different air containers to optimize shock absorption for specific needs. The first container has a single air cell, the second has multiple air cells with partition walls, and the third has a specific geometric shape. This local differentiation of structure quality enhances overall shock absorption capability while keeping each individual component simple.
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 air-packing device effectively minimizes shocks and vibrations for sensitive products by creating a unique folding structure with overlapping air cells, providing a high cushion effect and protecting products from impacts without the drawbacks of Styrofoam, such as recyclability and reduced storage needs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of check valves for corresponding air containers established between the first and second thermoplastic films for allowing the compressed air to flow in a forward direction
Implementation Method 2
The thermoplastic films of the air-packing device 20 are bonded (heat-sealed) together at bonding areas 23a which are rectangular periphery thereof to air tightly close the air-packing device 20
Implementation Method 3
an air-packing device inflatable by compressed air for protecting a product therein when stored in a container box
Implementation Method 4
creating an inner space for packing a product therein... effectively minimizes shocks and vibrations for sensitive products by creating a unique folding structure with overlapping air cells
Data Source
AI summary
An air-packing device has an improved shock absorbing capability to protect a product in a container box. The air-packing device is comprised of first and second thermoplastic films where predetermined portions are bonded thereby creating a plurality of air containers, a plurality of heat-seal lands each sealing the first and second thermoplastic films in a small area of the air container thereby creating a plurality of series connected air cells for each air container, a plurality of check valves for corresponding air containers for allowing the compressed air to flow in a forward direction. The plurality of heat-seal lands at predetermined sides of the air-packing device create triangled areas of the air cells, and the air-packing device is folded at the heat-seal lands, thereby creating an inner space for packing a product therein.