Foamed Polysaccharide Packaging Panels with Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective packaging materials are difficult to transport and use efficiently, and they lack superior cushioning properties compared to the proposed solution.
Innovation Solution
A stock of protective packaging material comprising essentially flat panels with corrugations, connected by hinge portions, made from foamed polysaccharide material, which can be easily stacked and unfolded for use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If protective packaging material is made flexible and rolled for easy transport, then ease of transportation is improved, but cushioning properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The protective packaging material is divided into multiple individual panels that are connected by hinge portions, allowing the material to be folded into a compact stack for transport while maintaining the structural integrity and cushioning properties of each panel when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The material transitions from a two-dimensional rolled form to a three-dimensional stacked configuration of flat panels, enabling compact storage while preserving the flat surface area needed for effective cushioning performance
2Strength
If protective packaging material is made stiff for superior cushioning properties, then cushioning properties are improved, but ease of processing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The material is segmented into discrete panels with hinge portions, allowing each panel to be processed independently with standard flat-sheet processing techniques while maintaining the stiffness needed for cushioning
Solution Approach 2:
The material structure is designed with corrugations that provide stiffness through geometric configuration rather than material composition, allowing easy processing of flat panels while achieving superior cushioning properties when the panels are assembled
3Adaptability or versatility
If protective packaging material is made curved due to shape memory, then flexibility is improved, but processing ease deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing the material to retain its curved shape from rolling, the invention inverts the approach by flattening the material into panels and using hinge portions to create the necessary three-dimensional form only when needed for use
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 solution provides superior cushioning properties, improved stiffness, and easier processing and transportation due to its flat and stackable design, while being biodegradable and recyclable.
Implementation Method 1
The protective packaging material according to the invention comprises foamed polysaccharide material, for example a starch foam
Implementation Method 2
the protective packaging material comprises foamed polysaccharide material, for example a starch foam, and therefore is biodegradable and recyclable
Implementation Method 3
the panels comprise a plurality of corrugations. This increases the stiffness and the thickness of the panels and thus further improves the cushioning properties
Implementation Method 4
Adjacent panels are connected to each other at their common straight side edges by means of a hinge portion and are folded relative to each other such that they form a stack of essentially parallel panels
Data Source
AI summary
A stock of a protective packaging material comprises foamed polysaccharide material. It is suggested that the stock comprises a plurality of essentially and generally flat panels each having at least a straight side edge, wherein adjacent panels are connected to each other at their common straight side edges by means of a hinge portion and are folded relative to each other such that they form a stack of essentially parallel panels.