Cushion Structure with Grooves for Impact Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cushion structures are inadequate in absorbing forces applied to the upper edges during transport, leading to increased size and volume, and they primarily rely on cushion portions for impact absorption without effective distribution of forces.

Innovation Solution

A cushion structure comprising first and second fixing elements, first and second cushion elements with spacers and grooves, and ribs, which absorb impacts on all sides and edges, reducing size and volume while enhancing protection by distributing forces across multiple components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cushion portions are increased in thickness to absorb impact forces, then impact absorption capability is improved, but the volume and size of the cushion structure increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact absorption capabilityVSAvoidvolume of cushion structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion structure is divided into multiple functional segments: fixing portions for structural support, cushion portions for impact absorption, and grooves for force distribution. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving impact absorption without requiring uniform increases in overall volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces grooves that extend in the thickness direction of the cushion portions, adding a vertical dimension to force distribution. This allows impact forces to be dissipated through the thickness of the cushion rather than only laterally, enabling thinner cushion portions to achieve the same protection level.

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

2Ease of operation

If lid is placed on fixing portions without embedding, then assembly simplicity is improved, but force absorption on upper edges deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidforce absorption capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is designed with embedding portions that preliminarily engage with grooves in the fixing portions during assembly. This preliminary engagement action ensures proper positioning and creates pre-compression, enabling the structure to absorb upper edge forces effectively while maintaining simple assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If cushion structure relies only on cushion portions for impact absorption, then structural simplicity is improved, but force distribution capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidforce distribution capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The force absorption function is segmented across multiple components: fixing portions provide structural framework, cushion portions absorb impact energy, and grooves distribute forces through compression. This segmentation transforms a simple single-component structure into a multi-functional system that distributes forces effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing portions serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, contain grooves for force distribution, and enable lid embedding for enhanced protection. This multi-functionality allows the structure to achieve superior force distribution without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 structure effectively absorbs impacts on all sides and edges, providing improved protection for panels or glass substrates while minimizing size and volume, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional designs.

Implementation Method 1

cushion structure for protecting panels or glass substrates... absorbs impact applied on every side and edge thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7374044B2Cushion structure
Publication Date: 2008.05.20 AU OPTRONICS CORP
  • US7374044B2 patent drawing
  • US7374044B2 patent drawing
  • US7374044B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cushion structure comprises a first fixing element, a second fixing element, a first cushion element, and a second cushion element. The first fixing element comprises a first board. The second fixing element comprises a second board and faces the first fixing element. The first cushion element is fixed on the first board and the second board near a side thereof. The first cushion element comprises a plurality of first spacers and first grooves. The second cushion element is fixed on the first board and the second board near another side thereof facing the first cushion element. The second cushion element comprises a plurality of second spacers and second grooves. The second grooves face the first grooves.