Multi-Layer Buffer Structure with Rib Portion for Corner Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional buffer structures in packing sets are single-layer designs, which are weak in strength, labor-intensive to assemble, and costly, failing to meet the requirements of being low-cost, high-packing-efficiency, and providing good protection.

Innovation Solution

A buffer structure with at least two layers, comprising an internal main layer, an external main layer, and a rib portion forming a ring shape, which is designed to be cost-effective, efficient to assemble, and provides enhanced protection by forming a stable accommodating space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a single-layer buffer structure is used, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the strength and protection capability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuffer strengthVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer structure is divided into multiple independent layers (first buffer layer, second buffer layer, third buffer layer) with each layer having specific folding lines and buffer portions. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute to the overall buffering strength while maintaining manufacturability through standardized folding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite multi-layer structure where different buffer layers are combined to create a stronger overall buffer system. The first, second, and third buffer layers work together to provide enhanced protection compared to a single-layer design, while the layers are all formed from the same structural material for consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a multi-layer buffer structure is used, then the protection capability is enhanced, but the assembly time and labor cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer structure is designed with pre-defined folding lines (first, second, third, and fourth folding lines) and pre-positioned buffer portions that guide the assembly process. This preliminary structuring allows workers to quickly fold and assemble the layers without complex alignment steps, reducing assembly time despite the multi-layer design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple buffer layers and their associated folding lines are integrated into a single cohesive structure where the first buffer layer, second buffer layer, and third buffer layer are connected through shared folding lines and structural elements. This merging reduces the number of separate components that need to be handled individually during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a multi-layer buffer structure is used, then the protection capability is enhanced, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer structure is divided into multiple independent layers (first buffer layer, second buffer layer, third buffer layer) with each layer having specific folding lines and buffer portions. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute to the overall buffering strength while maintaining manufacturability through standardized folding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite multi-layer structure where different buffer layers are combined to create a stronger overall buffer system. The first, second, and third buffer layers work together to provide enhanced protection compared to a single-layer design, while the layers are all formed from the same structural material for consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Productivity

If conventional single-layer buffer structures are used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the packing efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacking efficiencyVSAvoidbuffer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer structure is designed with pre-defined folding lines (first, second, third, and fourth folding lines) and pre-positioned buffer portions that guide the assembly process. This preliminary structuring allows workers to quickly fold and assemble the layers without complex alignment steps, reducing assembly time despite the multi-layer design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer structure utilizes multiple dimensional aspects by creating a three-dimensional multi-layer configuration with vertical and horizontal folding lines. This dimensional complexity allows for better space utilization and higher packing efficiency within the packaging box while maintaining a manageable structure through systematic folding patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12312133B2Buffer structure, packaging set, and buffer structure forming method
Publication Date: 2025.05.27 WISTRON NEWEB CORP
  • US12312133B2 patent drawing
  • US12312133B2 patent drawing
  • US12312133B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A buffer structure includes at least one internal main layer, at least one external main layer, and a rib portion. An inner side of the at least one internal main layer forms an accommodating space, and the at least one external main layer surrounds an outer side of the at least one internal main layer. The rib portion is located between two first folding lines and forms a ring shape. The two first folding lines are parallel to each other. One of the two first folding lines is connected to the at least one internal main layer, and the other one of the two first folding lines is connected to the at least one external main layer. The rib portion is connected between the at least one internal main layer and the at least one external main layer.