Asymmetric Impact Buffer Rib for Corrugated Package

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Solution Overview

Problem

Corrugated cardboard packages lack sufficient impact buffer performance compared to plastic packages, especially under dynamic and repetitive loads, and existing designs fail to effectively absorb impacts when subjected to inclined or varied loads.

Innovation Solution

A package design featuring a main body with impact buffer ribs having root portions and a central portion, where the central portion is taller than the root portions, is used to distribute and absorb impact stresses, thereby reducing the impact value applied to the packaged object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If packages are made of corrugated cardboard to improve environmental performance and resource recovery, then resource recovery property and recycling property are improved, but impact buffer property deteriorates compared to plastic packages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidimpact buffer property
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating an asymmetric rib structure where the central portion has a different height than the root portions. This localized structural variation optimizes impact absorption at critical areas while maintaining overall package integrity, enabling corrugated cardboard to achieve plastic-level impact buffer performance without compromising environmental benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The impact buffer rib structure is pre-formed with specific asymmetric geometry before packaging. The central portion's elevated height is predetermined to absorb impact forces effectively, allowing the package to immediately buffer impacts upon occurrence without requiring additional activation or adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Length of moving object

If a folded structure is used to give the cushion enough length to absorb impact, then the cushion length is increased, but the height uniformity causes insufficient impact buffer function under composite forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecushion lengthVSAvoidimpact buffer function
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements asymmetry by designing the impact buffer rib with a central portion that has a greater height than the root portions. This asymmetric configuration creates varying stress distribution along the rib length, enabling effective impact absorption under composite forces while maintaining sufficient cushion length for energy dissipation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Device complexity

If a cushion is configured by two parts that are not connected, then the structure is simplified, but the cushion cannot absorb impact under load variation or repeated load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecushion structureVSAvoidimpact absorption capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cushion structure into a single integrated impact buffer rib with continuous geometry. The rib transitions smoothly from root portions to the central portion, creating a unified structure that can effectively absorb impacts under load variation and repeated loading conditions while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration significantly reduces composite stress action on the package, enhancing impact buffer performance under dynamic and repetitive loads, including those applied in inclined postures, and maintains a sufficient impact buffer function.

Implementation Method 1

The impact buffer rib includes root portions and a central portion. The root portions are both end portions of the impact buffer rib, couple to the main body, and have a first height. The central portion is between the root portions and has a second height larger than the first height.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3925899B1package
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3925899B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3925899B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3925899B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A package (100) includes a main body (110) and an impact buffer rib (16, 23). The main body (110) is configured to form a storage space to accommodate a packaged object (50). The impact buffer rib (16, 23) is disposed on a side of the main body (110) and outside the storage space. The impact buffer rib (16, 23) includes root portions (16b, 23b) and a central portion (16a, 23a). The root portions (16b, 23b) are both end portions of the impact buffer rib (16, 23), couple to the main body (110), and have a first height (Hb). The central portion (16a, 23a) is between the root portions (16b, 23b) and has a second height (Ha) larger than the first height (Hb).