Corrugated Casket Lid Assembly for Nested Shipping and Dignity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing caskets made from corrugated materials face challenges in reducing material and shipping costs while maintaining aesthetic appeal and dignity.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight casket lid formed from a folded corrugated paper blank with a paper bridge structure that can be nested for shipment and features a modesty skirt for enhanced dignity during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If caskets are made from hardwood and metal materials with decorative features, then aesthetic appeal and dignity are improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the material from traditional hardwood and metal to corrugated fiberboard, while maintaining structural integrity through design modifications. The corrugated fiberboard is treated and formed into shapes that replicate the aesthetic qualities of traditional materials, achieving a balance between cost reduction and visual appeal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs local quality by applying different treatments and designs to specific areas of the corrugated fiberboard casket. Decorative features and structural reinforcements are strategically placed to enhance aesthetic appeal in visible areas while using simpler constructions in less visible areas, optimizing both appearance and cost-effectiveness.
2Ease of manufacture
If caskets are made from corrugated paperboard and manufactured wood products, then cost is reduced, but material and shipping costs remain significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by designing the casket lid to be inverted and placed inside the casket body for shipment. This nested configuration significantly reduces the shipping volume and storage space required, directly addressing the high shipping and material costs associated with traditional casket designs.
3Volume of stationary object
If casket lids are inverted and shipped within the casket body, then shipping volume is reduced, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by using corrugated fiberboard, which combines outer layers with an inner corrugated fluting structure. This composite construction provides both the necessary strength to maintain structural integrity during inversion and shipping, and the space-efficient form factor needed for cost-effective transportation.
4Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials are used for casket construction, then shipping cost is reduced, but structural reinforcement is needed to maintain dignity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature principles by forming the corrugated fiberboard into arched and domed structures. These curved geometries naturally distribute loads and stresses more effectively than flat surfaces, providing the necessary structural reinforcement for dignity and strength while maintaining the lightweight characteristic of the corrugated material.
Data Source
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AI summary
A casket lid includes a lid body and a bridge formed from a folded corrugated paper blank. The lid body extends partially over a casket body configured to receive a human body in supine position, the lid body having a first side configured to extend along a portion of a first casket body side, a second side configured to extend along a portion of a second casket body side, a first end configured to extend along a first casket body end, and an open end. Edges of at least two of the first side, second side, and first end define a lid body bottom plane. The bridge extends downward from the lid body near or at the open end, and defines a concave opening extending above the lid body bottom plane.