Foldable Buffer Packing Device for Shock Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional packing devices for electronic devices, such as information handling systems, often experience high pressure and shock forces due to their configuration, which can lead to damage during shipping, and they typically require multiple components and materials that increase costs and environmental impact.

Innovation Solution

A single-piece, foldable packing device made from recyclable materials like molded pulp fiber, featuring a main section with buffer retention cavities and foldable buffer sections that can be inserted to enhance structural strength and absorb shocks, reducing packaging costs and environmental footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If a packing configuration encloses and supports the packed device by the thickness and width edges, then the packing volume and packing material enclosure area are minimized, but the load area is smallest resulting in highest pressure when under stacking load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacking volumeVSAvoidpressure under stacking load

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The packing device incorporates foldable buffer sections that can transition from a flat configuration to a three-dimensional expanded configuration. When folded, the buffer sections increase the load-bearing area and provide structural support, reducing pressure on the packed device during stacking while maintaining compact packing volume when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer sections are designed to extend in the thickness dimension when folded, transforming a two-dimensional flat structure into a three-dimensional volumetric structure. This dimensional transition increases the load distribution area without significantly increasing the footprint area, thereby reducing pressure while maintaining compact packing dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If conventional packing devices use multiple components and materials, then structural strength and shock protection are achieved, but packaging costs and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packing device merges the functions of the container and cushioning into a single integrated structure. The buffer sections are formed as one piece with the main packing body, eliminating the need for separate cushioning components and reducing overall complexity while maintaining structural strength and shock protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single-piece packing device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the container for the packed item, provides structural support through its rigid framework, and offers shock absorption through the folded buffer sections. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If conventional packing devices use multiple components and materials, then structural strength and shock protection are achieved, but packaging costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidpackaging cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer sections utilize changes in material density and thickness parameters to provide shock absorption. By varying these parameters in the folded buffer sections, the device achieves effective shock protection using a single material type, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to multi-material constructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 foldable packing device effectively cushions and supports electronic devices against external loads and shocks, reducing damage and packaging costs while being economically and environmentally friendly.

Implementation Method 1

the foldable and insertable buffer sections are foldable to increase the overall strength of the packing device against external loads and shocks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8757384B2Devices and methods for packing

Publication Date: 2014.06.24 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Devices and methods for packing objects, including information handling systems and other types of electronic devices that may be implemented using a single piece and assembly-free packing device configuration that has one or more foldable and insertable buffer sections that are foldable to increase the overall strength of the packing device against external loads and shocks.