Die-cut Cardboard Suitcase Protector with Segmented Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protective packaging for suitcases, such as wrapping with transparent plastic film, is inefficient in preventing tampering and environmentally harmful due to plastic waste, while allowing suitcase functionality like telescopic handles and wheels to be compromised.
Innovation Solution
A die-cut cardboard packaging with vertical folding lines and adhesive tabs forms a foldable, recyclable prismatic box that securely encases suitcases, maintaining handle and wheel functionality and featuring a tamper-evident design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If transparent plastic film is used to wrap the suitcase, then the suitcase is protected against knocks and scratches, but it generates significant plastic waste and is environmentally harmful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from plastic film to cardboard, transforming the packaging material to be environmentally friendly and recyclable while maintaining protective functionality. The cardboard box provides the same mechanical protection against knocks and scratches without generating plastic waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The cardboard box is designed as a disposable protective packaging that can be easily discarded after use, replacing the non-biodegradable plastic film. The cardboard material is inherently more environmentally friendly and can be recycled, eliminating the harmful plastic waste issue.
2Strength
If transparent plastic film is wrapped around the suitcase, then protection is provided, but the telescopic handle and wheels functionality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cardboard box is designed with segmented openings and cutouts that specifically accommodate the telescopic handle and wheels of the suitcase. These segmented features allow the handle and wheels to extend and function normally while the rest of the suitcase remains protected within the box.
Solution Approach 2:
The cardboard box has different local properties: solid walls for protection in most areas, but specific open regions with reinforced edges where the handle and wheels need to pass through. This local quality differentiation maintains functionality where needed while providing protection elsewhere.
3Reliability
If the suitcase is rolled up with transparent plastic film, then tampering is discouraged, but it requires significant time to remove the film
Solution Approach 1:
The cardboard box is pre-assembled with tamper-evident seals and adhesive tapes that are already in place before the suitcase is packed. This preliminary preparation allows for quick sealing and easy removal at the destination, eliminating the time-consuming process of unwrapping multiple layers of plastic film.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the time-consuming unwrapping process by using a rigid cardboard box structure that can be quickly opened and removed as a single unit, rather than requiring sequential unwrapping of multiple plastic film layers. The tamper-evident features are integrated into the box structure itself.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a prismatic cardboard box is used to encase the suitcase, then stability in cargo hold is improved, but the packaging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prismatic cardboard box serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural stability in the cargo hold, offers tamper protection, enables easy identification through labeling surfaces, and facilitates quick opening at the destination. This multi-functionality justifies the slightly increased structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple protective and functional features into a single integrated cardboard box structure: the tamper-evident seals, the handle openings, the wheel recesses, and the labeling surfaces are all combined in one unified packaging solution, making the overall system more efficient despite the increased design complexity.
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 cardboard packaging provides effective protection against knocks and scratches, prevents tampering, reduces environmental impact, and simplifies installation and removal, while maintaining suitcase functionality and offering a stable, labelable surface.
Implementation Method 1
Four folding flaps also emerge from the upper edges of the side walls of the case, also equipped with adhesive for gluing them together
Implementation Method 2
which, when assembled, provide recesses for the wheels of the suitcase... with double-sided adhesive tape
Data Source
AI summary
Suitcase protector comprising a cardboard packaging, characterised by the fact that it is made from the development of a die-cut sheet of cardboard, in which a rectangular, horizontally elongated, major section is defined, which, by means of vertical folding lines, determines the two major (1-1′) and minor (2 2′) sides of a rectangular prismatic container, which by means of vertical folding lines determine the two larger (1-1′) and smaller (2 2′) sides of a rectangular prismatic container.