Foldable Packaging for Heating Device Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assembling and packaging heating devices, such as heat pumps or boilers, require significant space, time, and energy, and use environmentally unfriendly polystyrene cushioning, which is difficult to recycle and can cause damage during handling and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A method that integrates assembly and packaging using a recyclable, foldable packaging material, such as cardboard or bioplastics, where the bottom base and cover are folded to create a box around the assembled heating device, eliminating the need for separate cushioning and reducing handling requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polystyrene cushioning is used to protect the heating device during packaging, then the device is protected from damage, but the packaging material is environmentally unfriendly and difficult to recycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces polystyrene cushioning with disposable corrugated cardboard inserts that are environmentally friendly. These cardboard elements provide adequate protection during transport and can be easily disposed of or recycled after use, eliminating the environmental persistence problem of polystyrene while maintaining protective functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from polystyrene foam to corrugated cardboard, transforming the packaging material from an environmentally harmful substance to an eco-friendly alternative. This material substitution maintains the cushioning and protective function while eliminating the harmful environmental effects of polystyrene.
2Reliability
If the heating device is fully assembled before packaging, then the device structure is complete and functional, but additional space, time, and energy are required for separate packaging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the assembly and packaging operations into a single integrated process. The heating device is assembled directly within the packaging structure, and the packaging elements are designed to be installed during the assembly process rather than as a separate subsequent step. This eliminates the additional time and energy required for separate packaging operations while ensuring the device is complete and protected.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging elements (corrugated cardboard inserts and housing) are pre-positioned and prepared before the heating device components are assembled. This allows the packaging structure to be integrated into the assembly process itself, eliminating the need for separate packaging operations after assembly is complete.
3Reliability
If multiple polystyrene cushioning parts are placed around the heating device, then comprehensive protection is achieved, but the packaging process becomes complex and requires multiple handling steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses segmented corrugated cardboard elements (sides, bottom, and insert pieces) that are designed to be simple L-shaped or rectangular components. These segmented elements are easier to handle and position than bulky polystyrene pieces, reducing the complexity of the packaging process while providing comprehensive protection through their geometric arrangement around the heating device.
Solution Approach 2:
The corrugated cardboard packaging elements function as flexible yet protective shells that can be easily positioned and adjusted around the heating device. The thin-walled corrugated structure provides adequate protection without the bulk and handling difficulty of polystyrene, simplifying the overall packaging process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the heating device dimensions are changed, then the device can be updated or modified, but the polystyrene cushioning cannot be repurposed and must be discarded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses corrugated cardboard packaging elements with adjustable parameters (such as adjustable flaps, removable inserts, and flexible positioning) that can be reconfigured to accommodate different heating device dimensions. This adaptability allows the same packaging materials to be reused for different device sizes, eliminating the waste associated with discarded polystyrene cushioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The corrugated cardboard packaging structure is designed with universal features that allow it to serve multiple packaging needs for different heating device configurations. The modular corrugated elements can be repositioned and reconfigured, making the packaging system versatile and reusable across different product variations, thereby reducing material waste.
Data Source
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AI summary
provide a method for assembling and packaging of a heating device, in particular an indoor hydraulic module of a heat pump or a boiler, wherein the method comprises the steps of providing a bottom base on a mounting surface, positioning a part of a hydraulic module of a heating device onto the bottom base, secure one or more casing elements to the part of the hydraulic module using a securing means to assemble the heating device, and positioning a cover over at least an upper part of the assembled heating device, wherein the bottom base and/or the cover is folded to create a box around the assembled heating device, and wherein the bottom base and the cover are made of a recyclable, foldable, packaging material.