Packaging for Knitting Needles with Transverse Spring Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions for elongated objects like knitting machine needles often fail to provide adequate protection and organized storage, with issues such as poor space utilization, damage risk, and difficulty in handling and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system comprising a base body and cover element with a spring device that exerts a holding force transversely to the objects, preventing accidental movement and damage, while allowing easy insertion and removal, and featuring adjustable flaps for access and secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If objects are stored loosely between webs in the packaging, then the packaging structure is simple, but the objects are not securely held and may move or damage each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing holding means at specific locations where objects need stabilization. The holding means are positioned to contact specific portions of the objects, providing localized support and prevention of movement without requiring complex structures throughout the entire packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding means act as an intermediary element between the packaging container and the objects stored. This intermediary component secures the objects in place while maintaining the simplicity of the overall packaging structure, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and object stability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the packaging is closed completely to protect objects, then object protection is improved, but accessibility for removing objects becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging container is segmented into removable parts, specifically the cover can be completely removed from the base. This segmentation allows the packaging to remain protected when closed while enabling easy and complete access to all objects when the cover is removed, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging transitions from a static closed state to a dynamic open state where the cover can be completely removed. This dynamic capability allows the packaging to provide protection during storage and transport, then easy access during use, accommodating both requirements throughout the product lifecycle.
3Ease of operation
If flaps are made resilient to allow opening/closing operations, then ease of operation is improved, but unused space is required for spring-elastic movement reducing storage efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the resilient movement function from the flaps and relocates it to the cover-base connection mechanism. The flaps themselves become rigid and space-efficient, while the cover can be completely removed from the base providing full access. This separation of functions eliminates wasted space while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging is segmented into the cover and base as separate removable components, with flaps as additional separate elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the flaps can be rigid for space efficiency while the cover provides complete removability for accessibility, resolving the space versus operability contradiction.
4Quantity of substance
If objects are stored in an orderly aligned manner, then space utilization is improved, but protection from damage during handling may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing targeted holding means at specific locations where objects need both alignment and protection. The holding means are positioned to contact critical portions of the objects, providing localized support that maintains orderly arrangement while preventing damage during handling and transport.
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 packaging system effectively protects and organizes elongated objects by preventing damage and accidental movement, while allowing for easy handling and access, and can accommodate objects of varying lengths without the need for adjustments, ensuring efficient storage and use.
Implementation Method 1
The spring element (55) is designed to exert a holding force in the transverse direction Q on the knitting machine needle (22) located in the receiving space (32)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The packaging (20) has a base body (30) comprising floor and lid elements (23, 24) that are connected together to limit a receiving space (32). The floor element comprises a portion of a floor area (36). A bottom flap and two lid flaps (74, 76) are arranged at the floor and lid elements, respectively and movable between open and closing positions. A spring unit (25) is arranged in the space and comprises a spring element (55). Objects are arranged in the space to exert a holding force in a transverse direction (Q) transverse to an extending direction and parallel to the floor area.