Inflatable Partial Volumes for Adaptive Shipping Container Cushioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shipping containers require manual addition of cushioning materials, which is time-consuming and inefficient, and do not easily adapt to the shape and size of items, leading to inadequate protection and fixation during transport.
Innovation Solution
A container with integrated inflatable partial volumes that can be pneumatically connected or independent, providing cushioning and fixation by inflating to fit the shape of items, with a non-return valve to maintain air and a purge valve for deflation, and featuring resilient shaping means for enhanced reliability and volume efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cushioning materials are added to the container, then cushioning protection is provided, but time and effort are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning means is pre-integrated into the container structure in a compressed state, so that cushioning protection is already prepared before the item needs to be shipped. The inflatable structure is manufactured and attached to the container walls in advance, eliminating the need for manual addition of cushioning materials at the time of packing.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning means inflates automatically or through simple user action to provide cushioning protection without requiring manual intervention. The inflatable structure self-activates to provide the necessary cushioning, reducing the time and effort required compared to manual placement of traditional cushioning materials.
2Reliability
If fixed cushioning materials are used in the container, then cushioning is provided, but adaptability to different item shapes and sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning means transitions from a compressed static state during storage to an inflated dynamic state during use. The inflatable structure can expand and conform to different item shapes and sizes, providing adaptable cushioning protection for various products while maintaining a compact form when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The volume and shape parameters of the cushioning means are changed through inflation. The structure transitions from a compact compressed state to an expanded inflated state, allowing it to adapt to different item geometries and provide appropriate cushioning for various product types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inflatable cushioning means is used, then adaptability to item shape is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning means utilizes flexible inflatable chambers or bags made from thin film materials. These flexible structures can be collapsed into compact forms for storage while inflating to provide adaptible cushioning, achieving shape adaptability without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning means employs pneumatic inflation through simple valves and air supply mechanisms. The pneumatic system allows the cushioning structure to expand and conform to items while maintaining relatively simple construction compared to alternative adaptible cushioning mechanisms.
4Productivity
If cushioning means is integrated in the container, then time and effort for preparation is reduced, but available volume for items is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning means is integrated into the container structure in a compressed preliminary state, occupying minimal space. The inflatable structure is manufactured and attached to container walls in a collapsed configuration, maximizing the available volume for items while maintaining the capability to provide cushioning when activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning means dynamically changes its volume from a compressed state during storage to an inflated state during use. This dynamic volume adjustment allows the container to maximize packing capacity when the cushioning is not needed, while providing adequate cushioning protection when activated.
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 reduces the time and effort needed for preparing shipping containers by integrating cushioning means that adapt to item shapes, providing effective shock protection and fixation while increasing the available volume for items, and can be reused or recycled.
Implementation Method 1
a container (10) for shipping an item (20) and comprising a plurality of inflatable partial volumes (24) arranged in the inner volume (18) of the container
Implementation Method 2
At least one inflatable partial volume (24) comprises a resilient shaping means (40) providing a specific shape to the partial volume (24) in a non-inflated state
Implementation Method 3
The cushioning means (22) may further comprise a non-return-valve which blocks the air inside the cushioning means from escaping unintentionally
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
A container (10) for shipping an item (20) comprises a cushioning means (22) for cushioning the item (20) in the container (10), the cushioning means (22) comprising at least one inflatable volume (24) arranged inside the container (10). The invention proposes that the cushioning means (22) comprises a plurality of inflatable partial volumes (24) arranged apart from each other, the partial volumes (24) being inflatable while being arranged in the container (10).