Foldable Cremation Container with Hinged Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Caskets and cremation containers are not cost-effectively shipped due to their size and shape, with existing knock-down designs being more successful for cremation containers than caskets, which are less expensive and require less aesthetically compromising fabrication techniques.
Innovation Solution
A cremation container design featuring foldable side and end walls with hinged panels, secured by dowel pins and adhesive, allowing for compact configuration during shipping, with a lid that prevents sliding and handles for ease of handling, using materials like birch plywood and medium density fiberboard for structural integrity and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional caskets are shipped in erected configuration, then structural integrity and aesthetic appearance are maintained, but shipping cost-effectiveness deteriorates due to large size and shape
Solution Approach 1:
The casket is divided into multiple panels (head panel, foot panel, side panels) that can be separated and folded, allowing the structure to be disassembled into a compact configuration for shipping while maintaining the ability to reassemble into the complete structure at the destination
Solution Approach 2:
The casket structure incorporates movable joints and hinges that allow transitions between static erected configuration (for display and use) and dynamic folded configuration (for shipping), enabling the same structure to adapt to different operational requirements
2Productivity
If knock-down casket designs are used, then shipping cost-effectiveness improves, but ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorate due to complex fabrication techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The casket is divided into multiple panels (head panel, foot panel, side panels) that can be separated and folded, allowing the structure to be disassembled into a compact configuration for shipping while maintaining the ability to reassemble into the complete structure at the destination
Solution Approach 2:
The casket incorporates self-aligning features and intuitive connection mechanisms that allow assembly without specialized tools or complex procedures, enabling anyone to easily reassemble the casket at the destination
3Productivity
If knock-down cremation container designs are used, then shipping cost-effectiveness improves, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible fabrication techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The casket structure incorporates movable joints and hinges that allow transitions between static erected configuration (for display and use) and dynamic folded configuration (for shipping), enabling the same structure to adapt to different operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the casket have different properties - the exterior surfaces maintain high aesthetic quality with smooth finishes and decorative elements, while the interior structural components can accommodate the mechanical features needed for folding and assembly
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
Enables cost-effective shipping of caskets by reducing their size by 50% during transport while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, improving upon existing knock-down designs by enhancing ease of assembly and appearance preservation.
Implementation Method 1
Each wall of the pairs of side walls and end walls comprises an upper panel and a lower panel hingedly connected together
Implementation Method 2
The blocks and spacers can be secured to the upper panels with adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
A cremation container foldable into a compact configuration for shipping comprises a bottom, a pair of side walls connected to the bottom, a pair of end walls connected to the bottom, and a lid removably positioned atop the pair of side walls and the pair of end walls. Each wall of the pair of side walls and each wall of the pair of end walls comprises an upper panel and a lower panel hingedly connected together. The upper panels of the pair of end walls are foldable downwardly toward the bottom, and the upper panels of the pair of side walls are foldable downwardly atop the upper panels of the pair of end walls to thereby compactly configure the container for shipping.