Foldable Wing Panel Retention Packaging for Transport Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retention packaging systems for large objects like flat-screen televisions are inefficient in providing comprehensive protection and structural stability during transport, often requiring excessive materials and complex configurations.

Innovation Solution

A retention packaging assembly comprising a foldable frame made of lightweight, rigid materials and elastic sheets that securely retain the object by folding wing panels and sheets around a central panel, using tab and slot mechanisms for secure locking, and incorporating handle panels for easy handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If traditional retention packaging systems are used for large objects, then protection is provided, but material usage increases and structural stability during transport deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial usageVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging system is divided into modular components including a frame with multiple panels (front, back, side panels), separate sheet assemblies with slots, and distinct retention members. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing overall material usage compared to monolithic packaging structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging system incorporates movable and adaptable elements such as the frame panels that can be folded and positioned, sheets that can be tensioned, and retention members that can be selectively engaged. This dynamic configuration allows the packaging to adapt to the object being packaged while maintaining structural stability with reduced material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If complex configurations are used to provide comprehensive protection, then protection improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive protectionVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple protective functions are merged into integrated components. The frame panels combine structural support with retention functionality, the sheets provide both cushioning and restraint, and the retention members integrate locking and securing functions. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining comprehensive protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging components are designed to perform multiple functions. The frame provides structural support, defines the packaging volume, and enables retention mechanisms. The sheets provide cushioning, restraint, and structural reinforcement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of specialized components needed, simplifying the overall configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If excessive materials are used to ensure stability during transport, then structural stability improves, but material usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability during transportVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging system utilizes thin, flexible sheets made of material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or other suitable polymers. These thin films provide sufficient restraint and protection when properly tensioned and configured, eliminating the need for excessive rigid or bulky materials while maintaining stability during transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging system employs composite construction combining rigid frame elements (which may be cardboard, paperboard, or other rigid materials) with flexible sheet materials. This composite approach creates a lightweight yet stable structure that provides transport stability without requiring excessive material in any single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 effective protection and stability for large objects during transport, reduces material usage, and simplifies the packaging process, allowing for easy integration into manufacturing and recyclability, while improving the unboxing experience for customers.

Implementation Method 1

a first sheet assembly comprising first slot panels and a first sheet... the first set of wing panels are configured to be folded to a back of the frame to cause the first sheet to retain a first side of the object to the central panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3655344B1Retention packaging assembly
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 SEALED AIR U S
  • EP3655344B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3655344B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3655344B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A retention packaging assembly includes a frame and two sheet assemblies. The frame includes a central panel, end panels, and two sets of wing panels. Each set of wing panels includes wing panels that are foldably coupled to the central panel and to one of the two end panels. The sheet assemblies include a sheet that is attached at its ends to slot panels. The slot panels of each of the sheet assemblies are selectively couplable to one of the set of wing panels. After an object is placed on a front of the central panel, the sheets of the sheet assemblies are located over the sides of the object. The sets of wing panels can then be folded to a back of the frame to cause the sheets to retain the sides of the object to the central panel.