Artwork Support with Wire Rope Isolators for Shock Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing supports for works of art in shipping containers fail to effectively absorb shocks, causing them to be transferred to the art during handling, which can result in movement and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A support system comprising a base element fixed to the shipping container's interior wall and a clamping element for the art, connected by wire rope isolators that allow movement in six degrees of freedom, providing shock absorption and secure fixation of the art within the container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the work of art is fixed between the seat and the opposite interior wall of the closed shipping container, then the work of art is fixed within the shipping container, but shocks exercised on the shipping container are transferred onto the work of art

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidshock transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A shock-absorbing element (such as foam rubber, spring, or elastomer) is introduced as an intermediary component between the support structure and the work of art. This intermediary absorbs and dampens shocks during container handling, preventing direct force transmission to the artwork while maintaining secure fixation. The shock-absorbing element acts as a buffer that decouples the rigid connection between the support and the art piece.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support system incorporates shock-absorbing materials (foam rubber, springs, or elastomers) that are pre-installed between the support structure and the work of art before shipping. These cushioning elements are designed to compress or deform during shock events, absorbing impact energy beforehand and preventing direct transmission of forces to the artwork during handling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a corner element with a seat adjusted in height is used to support the work of art, then the work of art can be fixed at different positions, but some small movement of the work of art within the shipping container may still occur in use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustabilityVSAvoidfixation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A shock-absorbing element is introduced as an intermediary between the adjustable seat and the work of art. This element provides both cushioning and friction-based stabilization, preventing small movements while allowing the seat height to be adjusted for different artwork positions. The intermediary maintains contact pressure that stabilizes the artwork during transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Shock-absorbing materials (foam rubber, springs, or elastomers) are pre-installed between the adjustable support seat and the work of art. These elements compress under the weight of the artwork, providing friction-based stabilization that prevents small movements during handling and transport, while still allowing height adjustment of the seat for different artwork sizes and positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Strength

If the base element and clamping element are rigidly fixed to each other, then the structure is simple and strong, but shocks are not absorbed and are directly transferred to the work of art

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidshock transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A shock-absorbing element (foam rubber, spring, or elastomer) is introduced as an intermediary component between the base element and the clamping element. This intermediary maintains the structural integrity and strength of the connection while absorbing shock forces during container handling, preventing direct transmission of impacts to the work of art held by the clamping element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Shock-absorbing materials are pre-installed between the base element and the clamping element of the support structure. These elements are designed to compress during shock events, absorbing impact energy before it can be transmitted through the rigid structural components to the work of art, thereby protecting the artwork while maintaining structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 use of wire rope isolators effectively absorbs shocks, minimizing their transfer to the artwork, ensuring better stability and protection during handling and transport.

Implementation Method 1

the base element and the clamping element are fixed to each other by wire rope isolators... shocks are better absorbed by the shipping container and not or very little transferred to the work of art itself

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12024338B2Support for a work of art
Publication Date: 2024.07.02 TURTLE BV
  • US12024338B2 patent drawing
  • US12024338B2 patent drawing
  • US12024338B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention is directed to a support for a work of art comprising a base element for fixing the support to an interior wall of a shipping container and a clamping element for clamping the work of art and wherein the base element and the clamping element are fixed to each other by wire rope isolators.