Honeycomb Cardboard Packaging Assembly for Reduced Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

EPS molded parts used for packaging electronic devices like cooktops require large storage space and are difficult to dispose of, posing sustainability challenges due to poor recyclability.

Innovation Solution

A packaging arrangement using honeycomb cardboard elements of varying heights, made from recycled paper, which are structured to form a grid of vertically glued strips, providing impact resistance and easy processing, and are designed to fit snugly around the device, preventing slippage and absorbing compressive loads during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If EPS molded parts are used for packaging, then the product is protected during transport, but large storage space is required and disposal is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct protectionVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from EPS foam to honeycomb cardboard, fundamentally altering the packaging material's properties. This substitution maintains protective functionality while dramatically reducing storage volume and improving recyclability, directly resolving the contradiction between protection and storage space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If EPS molded parts are used for packaging, then the product is protected during transport, but recycling is very difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct protectionVSAvoidrecyclability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material composition parameter from non-recyclable EPS foam to recyclable honeycomb cardboard. This material substitution maintains the protective function while enabling easy recycling and disposal, directly resolving the contradiction between protection and recyclability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of stationary object

If honeycomb cardboard elements of varying heights are used, then storage space is reduced and recyclability is improved, but the packaging structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidpackaging structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the packaging structure into multiple honeycomb cardboard elements of different heights (first, second, and third elements). This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for specific protective functions while collectively providing comprehensive protection, resolving the contradiction between storage efficiency and structural complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces height variation as an additional dimensional parameter in the packaging design. By creating elements with different heights rather than uniform blocks, the packaging achieves better space utilization and product fit while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between storage space and structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Strength

If honeycomb cardboard elements are arranged to form a step, then impact resistance is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidprocessing
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple honeycomb cardboard elements into a unified packaging structure where the first, second, and third elements work together as an integrated system. This merging approach distributes the manufacturing complexity across standardizable components while achieving superior impact resistance through their coordinated arrangement, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 honeycomb cardboard packaging reduces storage needs, facilitates easy disposal, and effectively protects the device during transport by minimizing slippage and absorbing impacts, while being environmentally friendly.

Implementation Method 1

Honeycomb cardboard is a packaging material made from recycled paper that forms a grid of vertically glued strips. These strips have the shape of a honeycomb. Due to this structure, such shaped parts are highly impact-resistant and can withstand, in particular, very high pressure in the direction of the honeycomb's extension.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCellular structure energy absorption: Foam

Data Source

PatentEP4635868A1Packaging assembly
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP4635868A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4635868A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4635868A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a packaging arrangement comprising a honeycomb cardboard element (11) of low height and a honeycomb cardboard element (21) of high height. The heights are defined from a common base. The height difference defines a step.