Buffering Cushion with Suspended Non-Inflatable Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging solutions, such as foam and inflatable air packs, fail to provide uniform all-around protection for delicate electronic items due to scattering, displacement, and vulnerability to puncture during transport.

Innovation Solution

A buffering cushion with a U-like sectional shape featuring a suspending layer hung between inward-bent air columns, composed of multiple heat-sealed film layers, where the suspending layer is non-inflatable and designed to prevent puncture, providing lateral and bearing protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If inflatable air packs are used for cushioning protection, then buffering capability is improved, but vulnerability to puncture by sharp objects worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuffering capabilityVSAvoidpuncture resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure combining inflatable air columns with a non-inflatable suspending layer made of multiple heat-sealed film layers. This composite design allows the air columns to provide buffering capability while the suspending layer prevents puncture by sharp objects, resolving the contradiction between buffering strength and puncture resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The suspending layer acts as an intermediary protective barrier between the inflatable air columns and external sharp objects. This non-inflatable film layer intercepts puncture attempts before they can reach the air columns, maintaining the reliability of the cushioning system while preserving its buffering function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent air packs are used for all-around protection, then comprehensive coverage is improved, but installation complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveall-around protection coverageVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple air column structures into a single integrated cushion body with a unified suspending layer that provides all-around protection. This combined design eliminates the need to install multiple separate air packs, reducing installation complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage through the integrated structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If foam and loose materials are used for buffering, then ease of installation is improved, but protection uniformity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidprotection uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flexible film structures for both the inflatable air columns and the non-inflatable suspending layer. These thin films provide uniform protection when properly configured, while the inflatable nature of the air columns allows for easy installation and adaptation to different packaging scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 cushion offers comprehensive protection against damage during transport by preventing puncture and allowing easy installation for all-around coverage, ensuring the integrity of electronic items.

Implementation Method 1

each said air column has each of two opposite sides thereof formed with a heat-seal line that binds the two outer films together, and has each of two opposite ends thereof formed with a joint through heat sealing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat sealing:

Implementation Method 2

at least one air channel is arranged between the first buffering member and each of the second and third buffering members so that an inflating air flow is allowed to flow through the first, second and third buffering member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow:

Data Source

PatentUS9174788B2Buffering cushion with suspending layer hung between inward-bent air columns

Publication Date: 2015.11.03 LIAO YAW SHIN

AI summary

A buffering cushion with a suspending layer hung between inward-bent air columns is provided. The quick-inflatable buffering cushion includes a first buffering member, a second buffering member, a third buffering member, a pair of vertical walls and a suspending layer. The second and third buffering members are bent to form a rectangular casing that has one pend end and a U-like sectional shape. A hammock-like suspending layer is integratedly extended from ends of the vertical walls for carrying an external object while providing buffering protection. The vertical walls form together with the second and third buffering member dual lateral buffering protection, respectively. The suspending layer is a non-inflatable piece, and thus is unlikely to be punctured by a sharp portion of the external object. Thereby, the external object is well protected in all directions by the buffering cushion and secured from damage during transport.