Funerary Viewing Tray with Disposable Paper Insert

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost of traditional burial-based funeral processes has led to increased cremation, but the lack of a cost-effective method for a dignified viewing experience without embalming limits family opportunities for brief, respectful viewing of the deceased.

Innovation Solution

A low-profile, portable funerary viewing tray made of wood or metal, combined with a corrugated paper insert and fabric coverings, allows for a dignified and cost-effective viewing experience without the need for embalming, enabling easy transportation and reuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a traditional rental casket with insert is used, then cost savings are achieved, but the viewing experience remains limited and embalming is still required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidviewing experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the viewing arrangement into separate components: a reusable decorative tray and a disposable paper insert. This segmentation allows the tray to be used repeatedly for multiple viewings while the inexpensive insert is discarded after one use, reducing overall costs while maintaining aesthetic appearance and viewing quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a disposable paper insert that is inexpensive and single-use. This insert provides the necessary functional containment for the deceased during viewing, while its low cost allows it to be discarded after one use without significant expense, eliminating the need for embalming while maintaining dignity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Duration of action of moving object

If embalming is performed to enable traditional wake, then viewing duration is extended, but additional costs are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing durationVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares the viewing arrangement in advance with the disposable paper insert and fabric coverings already in place on the reusable tray. This preliminary preparation allows the deceased to be presented dignifiedly without requiring embalming, enabling viewing to proceed immediately after placement without additional preservation costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a full decorative casket is used, then viewing dignity is improved, but portability and reusability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing dignityVSAvoidreusability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the decorative reusable tray from the disposable insert. The tray can be cleaned and reused for multiple viewing ceremonies, providing ongoing dignity and aesthetic appeal, while the inexpensive paper insert is discarded after single use, eliminating the need for expensive embalming to preserve the body for extended viewing periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3653189B1Funerary viewing system and method
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 VANDOR GROUP INC
  • EP3653189B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3653189B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3653189B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A funerary method includes disposing a deceased on an insert, the insert constructed primarily of paper material, and having side and end walls. At least one side wall and the end walls all have approximately the same height. The insert is provided on a tray having two end panels and a plurality of wood or metal side panels affixed to a bottom panel. The method also includes employing at least a first fabric segment to cover at least a portion of a top edge of at least one sidewall of the insert and at least a portion of the deceased human body, such that the deceased human body is sufficiently visible for identification. The method also includes later removing the insert and the deceased human body from the tray. A second insert having a second deceased human body is then disposed thereon on the tray.