Flat Blade Wiper Packaging Design for Retail Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging for flat blade windshield wiper blades is bulky, costly, and inefficient, as it requires two components for protection and display, leading to increased shelf space requirements and difficulty in re-packaging for return, while the delicate wiper element is prone to damage during shipping.
Innovation Solution
A package design featuring a flexible front panel, planar back and side panels, and end flaps that form a semi-cylindrical configuration to securely hold the wiper blade without direct contact, allowing easy removal and re-insertion, and a compact, flat profile for efficient display and shipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two-component packaging (inner guard device and outer sleeve) is used to protect the wiper element, then the wiper element is protected from damage during shipping, but the packaging bulk increases and shelf space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inner guard device and outer sleeve into a single integrated packaging structure. The protective function previously provided by the inner guard is now incorporated directly into the outer packaging, eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining protection of the wiper element during shipping and handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the wiper element from damage, provides a display-ready appearance for retail, and maintains a compact profile for efficient shipping and storage. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate protective and display components.
2Reliability
If two-component packaging is used to protect the wiper element, then the wiper element is protected from damage, but the packaging complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective inner guard and outer sleeve into a single integrated packaging structure, reducing the number of components from two to one. This simplification decreases packaging complexity while maintaining the protective function through the integrated design.
3Reliability
If traditional packaging is used, then the wiper element is protected, but the package cannot lie flat in empty condition taking up undesirably large space
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging structure is designed to be dynamic in its configuration - it can collapse to a flat profile when empty for efficient shipping and storage, and expand to provide protection when the wiper blade is inserted. This dynamic transformation allows the package to maintain protective function while minimizing empty space requirements.
4Ease of operation
If customers can easily remove the wiper blade for inspection, then customer satisfaction improves, but the wiper blade may be damaged during removal and re-packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging structure is pre-designed with features that facilitate easy removal and re-insertion of the wiper blade while maintaining protection. The integrated design includes predetermined separation lines or flexible sections that allow customers to access the wiper blade for inspection without risking damage to the delicate wiper element or the packaging structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A flat blade windshield wiper blade (12) has a naturally elongated curve with a delicate wiper element (16) to be protected during shipping and display for retail sales purposes. A protective package (12) surrounds the wiper (12). The package (12) is made from a single piece of sheet stock and includes a flexible, outwardly bowed front panel (24), a back panel (26), and opposing left (30) and right (28) side panels adjoining respective sides of the front (24) and back (26) panels. Top (32) and bottom (34) end flaps extend between the front (24) and back (26) panels for forcing the front (24) panel to form in a generally semi-cylindrical configuration bowed outwardly relative to the back panel (26). The wiper (12) is disposed in a shipping condition in the package (12), with a connector (22) feature of the wiper (12) bearing in direct pressing contact with the bowed front panel (24). The wiper element (16) is completely isolated from contacting the package (12) by wedging other portions of the wiper (12) in three discrete regions of direct contact against the bowed front panel (24) and three discrete regions of direct contact against the back panel (26).