Biodegradable Casket Lid and Handle Structure for Lightweight Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for low-cost, biodegradable casket options that can structurally support a deceased human body during viewing and interment while minimizing environmental impact, as traditional caskets made of hardwoods and metals are not suitable for green burials.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight casket made primarily of corrugated paper with biodegradable materials, featuring a container with biodegradable side and end walls, a rigid strip for handle anchoring, and flexible strap handles or cutout handles, along with a movable flap for finger insertion, and lids supported by biodegradable tethers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional caskets made of hardwoods and metals are used, then structural strength and durability are improved, but biodegradability and environmental impact are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The casket employs a composite construction combining corrugated fiberboard (providing structural strength) with natural fabric or mesh materials (providing biodegradability). This composite approach allows the casket to achieve both structural integrity for viewing ceremonies and complete biodegradability for green burial, resolving the contradiction between strength and environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters from traditional dense hardwoods and metals to lightweight corrugated fiberboard and natural fabrics. This parameter change in material density and composition maintains sufficient structural strength while dramatically improving biodegradability and reducing environmental harm.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If biodegradable materials are used, then environmental impact is reduced, but structural strength and support capability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The casket uses a composite structure where corrugated fiberboard provides the necessary structural support and natural fabric/mesh materials provide biodegradability. This combination ensures both structural support capability and environmental compatibility, resolving the contradiction between strength and biodegradability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the casket are made from materials optimized for their specific functions: corrugated fiberboard is used in areas requiring structural strength (walls, base) while natural fabrics are used in areas requiring biodegradability (lining, shroud integration). This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between strength and environmental impact.
3Ease of manufacture
If corrugated paper and biodegradable materials are used, then cost and biodegradability are improved, but structural rigidity and stability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The casket combines corrugated fiberboard (cost-effective and structurally sound) with natural fabric or mesh materials to achieve both affordability and structural stability. The composite construction provides the necessary rigidity while maintaining low cost and biodegradability.
Solution Approach 2:
The casket is constructed from segmented components (corrugated fiberboard panels, natural fabric layers, mesh reinforcements) that can be assembled to provide structural stability. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for cost and biodegradability while the assembly provides overall structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A casket arrangement includes a container having a bottom, first and second side walls, and first and second end walls forming an open top box having a length and width configured to receive a deceased human body in supine position. The walls and bottom are formed of biodegradable material. The arrangement further includes a rigid strip operably coupled to the first side wall and disposed between an interior of the container and the first side wall. The arrangement further includes a strap handle having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion. The end portions are affixed to the rigid strip. The intermediate portion extends from each end portion through at least one opening in the first side wall, such that the intermediate portion forms a flexible loop external to the container that is sized to receive a human hand for use as a handle.