Compressed Fibrous Packaging Insulation for Container Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current packaging insulation products are inefficient in adapting to the interior configuration of shipping containers and lack the ability to expand and fold effectively for optimal use.

Innovation Solution

The use of an air laid natural fibrous batt laminated with foldable paper sheet material, comprising recycled cotton fibers and thermoplastic binder fibers, which can be compressed for shipping and expand to fit specific container configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional rigid insulation materials (expanded styrene panels, stuffed cotton bags) are used, then insulation performance is maintained, but adaptability to container configuration and space efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to container configurationVSAvoidshipping space efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation material utilizes changes in physical state (from compressed flat form to expanded three-dimensional form) to resolve the contradiction. During shipping, the material is compressed to minimize volume; upon activation, it expands to conform to the container's interior configuration, providing both space efficiency during transport and adaptability during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The material transitions from a static compressed state to a dynamic expanded state that can adapt to different container shapes. This dynamic transformation allows the same material to serve multiple purposes: efficient space occupation during shipping and customizable fit during insulation application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If insulation materials are made rigid for structural stability, then strength is improved, but foldability and ease of installation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoldability and installation easeVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation material is constructed with a layered structure consisting of multiple components (outer shell, insulation core, bonding agents) that work together. This segmentation allows the outer layers to provide structural strength while the internal structure enables folding and expansion capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The material incorporates flexible yet strong components that can be folded and manipulated during installation, yet maintain sufficient structural integrity to provide effective insulation. The flexible nature allows easy adaptation to container contours while maintaining insulation performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Productivity

If insulation material is shipped in expanded form for immediate use, then ease of operation is improved, but shipping volume efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveready-to-use availabilityVSAvoidshipping volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation material is pre-manufactured and quality-tested in its expanded form, then compressed for shipping. This preliminary preparation ensures that the material is ready for immediate use upon activation, eliminating the need for on-site manufacturing or complex assembly, while the compressed form minimizes shipping volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The material undergoes a phase transition from compressed to expanded state during deployment. This transition allows the material to occupy minimal space during transportation and maximize its functional volume when needed, providing both shipping efficiency and immediate usability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 allows for efficient use of space during shipping, enabling the insulation to be easily folded and expanded to match the container's dimensions, providing effective temperature maintenance for perishable items.

Implementation Method 1

packaging insulation is used for shipping perishable items which must be kept cold during shipping

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

comprising recycled cotton fibers and thermoplastic binder fibers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoplastic bonding: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS10787303B2Packaging insulation products and methods of making and using same

Publication Date: 2020.09.29 CELLULOSE MATERIAL SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

Packaging insulation for insertion into a packaging container, which includes an air laid natural fibrous batt comprised primarily of natural fibers, having foldable paper sheet material adhered to both sides of the batt. The resulting method and product provides packaging insulation which can be shipped flat and compressed, which expands when unpacked and which can be readily folded to match the interior configuration of a shipping container, such as a cardboard box.