Arc Spring Packaging Cushion Radial Force Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging cushions for objects with round bottoms or tops do not adequately protect against external forces, such as impacts during falls, as they do not effectively distribute and absorb radial forces.

Innovation Solution

The packaging cushion features spring elements designed in the form of sections of an arc of a circle, providing a larger peripheral coverage around the object and connecting corners to absorb radial forces, with concave sides to enhance buffering effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If pyramid-shaped or truncated cone-shaped spring elements are used, then the packaging cushion can absorb some external forces, but the peripheral coverage around round objects is insufficient and radial forces are not effectively distributed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperipheral coverage areaVSAvoidprotection against radial forces
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring elements are designed with an arcuate cross-section (circular arc, oval, or elliptical) instead of angular pyramid or truncated cone shapes. This curved geometry allows the spring elements to conform to and cover the peripheral area around round objects more effectively, distributing radial forces uniformly across the curved surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The arcuate spring elements are strategically positioned at specific locations where radial forces are most likely to act, particularly in the areas between corners and the recess. This localized optimization ensures that the peripheral coverage and force distribution are enhanced exactly where needed for protecting round objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If spring elements are arranged to maximize peripheral coverage, then buffering effect improves, but the structural complexity of the packaging cushion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuffering effectVSAvoidarrangement of spring elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging cushion is divided into multiple discrete spring elements with arcuate cross-sections, arranged in a pattern that maximizes peripheral coverage. This segmentation allows each element to independently absorb and distribute radial forces, achieving superior buffering effect while maintaining manufacturability through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design significantly improves the buffering effect by effectively distributing and absorbing radial forces, providing enhanced protection against external impacts and ensuring secure fitting within packaging.

Implementation Method 1

at least one spring element (120) is arranged between the outer edge (102) of the packaging cushion (100) and the recess (110) to absorb external forces, in particular impacts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3789315B1Packaging padding
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 BUHL PAPERFORM
  • EP3789315B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3789315B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A packaging cushion (100) for securing an object in a cardboard box, comprising a spring element (120) arranged between the outer edge (102) of the packaging cushion (100) and a recess for receiving the object; is to be further developed in such a way that the object is better protected against external forces, such as those that occur particularly when the cardboard box is dropped. For this purpose, it is proposed that the spring element (120) be designed in the form of at least one segment of a circular arc.