Looped Corner Cushioning Structure for Versatile Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cushioning materials for shipping items, particularly heavy items, struggle with providing adequate protection for sides and corners, are often specific to one item, require skilled assembly, and are prone to human error.

Innovation Solution

A cushioning device with a unitary body formed from resilient material, featuring coupling mechanisms and a slot, allowing easy conversion into a looped configuration for versatile use across multiple objects, reducing the need for skilled assembly and minimizing human error.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If lightweight packaging materials are used, then weight is reduced, but cushioning effectiveness for sides and corners deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of packaging materialVSAvoidcushioning effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cushioning device is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be independently positioned to protect different areas of the object, particularly sides and corners. This segmentation allows the lightweight material to be strategically placed where it is most needed for protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dimensional approach by creating a three-dimensional cushioning structure that extends along the sides and corners of the object. This dimensional configuration allows lightweight material to provide effective cushioning through spatial arrangement rather than relying solely on material density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If highly-specific cushioning devices are designed for one particular item, then cushioning effectiveness is improved, but adaptability to different items deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecushioning effectivenessVSAvoidusability across different items

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cushioning device is designed with universal features that allow it to be applied to multiple different items and object types. The device can be configured to protect various sides and corners of different objects, making it a multi-functional solution that replaces the need for item-specific cushioning devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cushioning device incorporates dynamic or adjustable elements that allow it to adapt its configuration to different objects. This dynamic capability enables the same device to be effectively used across various item types by adjusting its positioning or configuration rather than requiring multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If multi-piece cushioning designs are used, then cushioning effectiveness is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecushioning effectivenessVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple cushioning pieces into a single integrated cushioning device. This unified design eliminates the need for separate components that would require assembly, while maintaining the cushioning effectiveness that would otherwise be achieved through multiple pieces. The merged structure simplifies application and reduces assembly time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cushioning device is pre-configured or pre-assembled in its final functional state, eliminating the need for on-site assembly. This preliminary preparation of the cushioning structure ensures that it is ready for immediate use on objects, reducing both assembly complexity and time requirements while maintaining effective cushioning protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 cushioning device provides effective protection for sides and corners of various objects with ease of use and reusability, accommodating different shapes and sizes without requiring complex assembly.

Implementation Method 1

a cushioning device has a unitary body formed from a resilient material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250353656A1Cushioning devices having unitary bodies in looped configurations

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 SEALED AIR VERPACKUNGEN

AI summary

A cushioning device (100) has a unitary body formed from a resilient material. The unitary body has a length, a width, and a thickness; first and second ends (104, 106) located opposite each other in a direction of the length of the unitary body; first and second coupling mechanisms (108, 110) located on the first and second ends of the unitary body; and a slot (116) through the thickness of the unitary body. The length of the unitary body is greater than the width of the unitary body. When the unitary body is in a looped configuration, the first and second coupling mechanisms are couplable to each other to hold the unitary body in the looped configuration. When the unitary body is in the looped configuration, the slot is capable of having a side or a corner of an object slid therethrough so that the unitary body in the looped configuration provides cushioning for the object.