Inflatable Packaging Structure With Fluid Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging methods such as foam, bubble wrap, and cardboard fail to provide adequate shock absorption and protection for electronic devices during shipping, especially in preventing direct impacts and maintaining device suspension during handling and transportation.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable packaging structure composed of multiple layers of thermoplastic material with fluid chambers and one-way check valves, featuring air supply lines and weld lines that form openings for accommodating electronic devices and accessories, providing adjustable and enhanced shock absorption capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If foam, bubble wrap or cardboard are used for packaging, then the packaging structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the shock absorption and impact protection capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging structure is divided into multiple fluid containers (chambers) arranged in arrays, with each container providing independent shock absorption. The segmentation of the packaging into end panels, side panels, and base panels allows each component to be optimized for specific protection zones, resolving the contradiction between providing comprehensive shock absorption and maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inflatable fluid containers filled with gas or liquid that provide shock absorption through pneumatic pressure. The fluid-filled chambers deform under impact forces, absorbing shock energy more effectively than solid foam or cardboard, while the deflated state maintains compactness for storage and shipping.
2Strength
If inflatable packaging structure is used, then shock absorption is increased and device is spaced from box walls, but the storage space required is larger when inflated
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging structure transitions between two dynamic states: deflated for compact storage and shipping, and inflated for protection during handling. The fluid containers can be inflated only when needed, allowing the system to adapt its volume based on operational requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between protection capability and storage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The volume parameter of the packaging structure is changed based on operational needs. When deflated, the structure occupies minimal space for storage. When inflated, the fluid containers expand to provide the necessary cushioning and spacing, demonstrating parameter change to resolve the contradiction between storage compactness and protection effectiveness.
3Reliability
If multiple layers of thermoplastic material are used with weld lines, then structural integrity and shock absorption are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple layers of thermoplastic material are merged through welding to create a unified, structurally integrity packaging system. The weld lines join the layers to form sealed fluid containers that maintain pressure and prevent leakage, ensuring reliable shock absorption while maintaining manufacturability through standard welding processes.
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 inflatable packaging structure significantly increases shock absorption and drop resistance by up to 30% compared to traditional methods, effectively protecting electronic devices from impacts and ensuring secure positioning within shipping boxes.
Implementation Method 1
a one-way check valve is incorporated into at least one of the plurality of fluid chambers
Implementation Method 2
an air supply line, configured to commonly communicate with each of the one-way check valves to supply fluid into the fluid chambers
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of weld lines formed through at least two of the plurality of layers of thermoplastic material and configured to form at least two openings within the at least one end panel when the fluid is supplied into the plurality of fluid chambers
Implementation Method 4
suspension or impact absorbance is increased in inflatable packaging structures
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable packaging structure, including at least one end panel made of a plurality of layers of thermoplastic material and arranged along a longitudinal axis, the at least one end panel includes a plurality of fluid chambers arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, whereas a one-way check valve is incorporated into at least one of the plurality of fluid chambers, an air supply line, configured to commonly communicate with each of the one-way check valves to supply fluid into the fluid chambers and a plurality of weld lines formed through at least two of the plurality of layers of thermoplastic material and configured to form at least two openings within the at least one end panel when the fluid is supplied into the plurality of fluid chambers.