Corner Board Locator for Palletized Container Stacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Locating and retaining corner boards in place on a palletized stack of containers prior to shrink wrapping or strapping is difficult, leading to potential displacement and loss of stacking strength or stability during transit, storage, and display.
Innovation Solution
A corner protection system comprising a corner board and a corner board locator, where the locator is configured with an angled slot or connection portion to securely attach to the corner board and an insert portion that projects from the corner board to fit into seams between containers, providing adjustable positioning and retention without damaging the containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If corner boards are used to protect container corners, then corner protection is improved, but locating and retaining the corner boards in place becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a corner board locator as an intermediary device between the corner board and the container stack. The locator comprises an insert portion that engages with the container seam and a connection portion that attaches to the corner board, thereby mediating the retention function and solving the difficulty of locating and retaining corner boards while maintaining corner protection
Solution Approach 2:
The corner board locator is segmented into distinct functional portions: an insert portion for engaging container seams, a connection portion for attaching to corner boards, and optionally retention portions with features like teeth or hooks. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally, improving ease of operation while maintaining protection
2Strength
If corner boards are retained in place, then stacking strength is maintained, but displacement may occur during transit and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The corner board locator is installed beforehand to secure corner boards in their proper positions before shipping. The insert portion is inserted into container seams and the connection portion attaches to corner boards in advance, preventing displacement during transit and storage while maintaining stacking strength
Solution Approach 2:
The locator's retention portions with teeth, hooks, or interlocking features create preliminary anti-action forces that resist displacement forces during handling and transit. The design anticipates and counteracts potential displacement before it occurs, ensuring reliable retention and maintaining stacking strength
Data Source
AI summary
A method of using a corner board protector including the steps of positioning a one piece, corner board locator having a connection portion, having an angled slot formed therein, and an insert portion, having a single continuous planar exterior edge with a tip, on a corner board having two angled panels. The two angled panels engage with the angled slot to retain the corner board locator at a select height along the corner board. The corner board and the corner board locator are positioned adjacent to a stack of at least two vertically consecutive containers. The tip of the single continuous planar exterior edge is slid between two of the at least two vertically consecutive containers to form a corner board protector.