Crisscross Cardboard Riser Stacking Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to achieve sufficient stacking strength to support more than two bundles of containers, limiting the ability to stack bundles higher than two on top of each other, particularly when using cardboard risers with milk cartons or glass bottles.

Innovation Solution

The use of crisscrossed cardboard risers between containers, with specific configurations for different pack sizes, and a process involving conveyor systems for precise placement and heat shrink wrapping to enhance stacking stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional single or parallel risers are used between containers, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the stacking strength is insufficient to support more than two bundles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestacking strengthVSAvoidriser configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from single-dimensional (one riser) or two-dimensional (parallel risers) configurations to a three-dimensional crisscross arrangement where risers intersect both parallel to and perpendicular to the lanes, creating a grid-like structure that distributes load in multiple directions and significantly enhances stacking strength

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

Solution Approach 2:

The riser system is segmented into multiple individual risers positioned at specific intervals between containers and between lanes, with each riser having predetermined openings for insertion. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple discrete support points rather than relying on a single continuous structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If containers are placed close together to maximize space utilization, then packaging efficiency improves, but stacking strength decreases due to lack of room for risers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestacking strengthVSAvoidpackaging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates predetermined spaces between lanes and between containers during the initial packaging configuration, before the risers are inserted. These pre-planned gaps allow risers to be easily inserted without requiring force or complex positioning operations, maintaining both stacking strength and packaging efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The risers act as intermediary elements that fit into the predetermined spaces between containers and lanes. These intermediaries provide the necessary structural support for stacking while occupying minimal space, effectively mediating between the need for container proximity and the need for stacking strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If more risers are added to increase stacking strength, then support for higher bundles is achieved, but the complexity of the structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestacking strengthVSAvoidpackaging process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The crisscross riser structure is designed to be self-aligning and self-supporting. The predetermined openings in the risers and the interlocking crisscross pattern allow the structure to automatically position itself and distribute loads without requiring complex external positioning mechanisms or additional fastening operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple risers into a unified crisscross configuration where risers parallel to the lanes and risers perpendicular to the lanes work together as an integrated support system. This merging of multiple simple elements creates a composite structure with enhanced strength that is greater than the sum of individual risers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution significantly increases the stacking strength, enabling bundles to be safely stacked up to four high by distributing the weight evenly and providing structural support through crisscrossed risers and heat shrink wrapping.

Implementation Method 1

wrapping the bundle with heat shrinkable film; and heat shrinking the film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat shrinkage: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentEP3178744B1Increasing stack strength using crisscross risers
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 CERF ALAIN
  • EP3178744B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3178744B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3178744B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

This invention solves the problem in the prior art when a bundle of containers lack sufficient strength to support at least three or more bundles to be stacked on a pallet having at least four bundles high. The invention solves the problem by increasing the stacking strength of a bundle of containers by using crisscrossed cardboard risers.