Apparatus and method for packing and shipping formed wrapping sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for packaging and shipping preformed wrapping sheets or covers often result in deformation during transportation, leading to inefficiencies in space usage and increased costs due to the need for larger containers and additional packing materials.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system utilizing clear plastic tubing and rigid corner boards to maintain the preformed shape of wrapping sheets, combined with a frustoconical container for compression and a frame structure for stability, reduces deformation and minimizes packaging volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If preformed wrapping sheets are packaged in traditional corrugated cartons with corner protectors, then the sheets can be shipped in bulk quantities, but the preformed shape is altered or deformed during shipping
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple wrapping sheets are nested one inside another within a single corrugated carton, with each sheet positioned concentrically within the previous one. This nesting arrangement maintains the preformed shape of each sheet while allowing bulk shipping of multiple units in a compact configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging system segments the protection function into two parts: the corrugated carton provides external structural protection and stacking stability, while individual corner protectors are placed at strategic locations inside the carton to maintain the shape of each nested wrapping sheet without requiring a completely rigid internal structure.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional packaging methods are used, then bulk quantities can be shipped, but larger containers are needed increasing packaging costs by 30-60%
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement of wrapping sheets within a single carton maximizes the use of internal volume, allowing more sheets to be packed into the same container space compared to traditional side-by-side or stacked arrangements that require larger containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging system allows for flexible adjustment of the number of sheets per carton based on sheet size and carton capacity, optimizing space utilization for different product variants and shipping requirements without needing predetermined fixed packaging configurations.
3Productivity
If preformed sheets are compressed to increase packing density, then more sheets fit in each container, but the sheets deform during compression
Solution Approach 1:
Corner protectors are placed in advance at the corners and edges of each wrapping sheet before compression occurs. These protectors act as cushions that distribute compression forces evenly and prevent the sheets from deforming during the compression process, allowing high packing density without shape loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than uniformly rigidifying the entire packaging structure, corner protectors are strategically placed only at the vulnerable corner and edge locations of each sheet, providing localized shape maintenance where it is most needed while allowing the rest of the sheet to be compressed efficiently for dense packing.
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 ensures a smoother appearance of the wrapping sheets upon removal, reduces packaging costs by 30-60%, and minimizes waste, while maintaining product identification and reducing handling errors.
Implementation Method 1
a frustoconical, cup-shaped, container constructed of plastic or other sufficiently rigid frustoconical, cup-shaped, container constructed of another material, is placed over the bottom of the stack and a sufficiently rigid container, such as a frustoconical, cup shaped container constructed of plastic or other sufficiently rigid container constructed of another material, is placed inside the top 'Pot Cover'
Implementation Method 2
The stack of covers is then placed into a plastic tube that is sealed at the lower end
Implementation Method 3
clear plastic tubing constructed of a pliable material, including clear plastic tubing or other pliable material
Implementation Method 4
the frame is wrapped in clear stretch film for stability and preventing product slipping out between the corner boards during transportation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for packaging and transportation of a preformed wrapping sheet is disclosed and claimed herein. One implementation of the technology as disclosed herein includes a method and apparatus for packaging and transportation of preformed wrapping sheets including “Pre-Formed Plant Covers” commonly referred to as a “Pot Cover” involving clear tubing constructed of a pliable material, including clear plastic tubing or other pliable material, and transportation storage racks assembled from substantially rigid pallets, including plastic pallets or other substantially rigid material, and corner boards, commonly known as beads.