Molded Tray with Strap for Delicate Sample Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging technologies are inadequate for securely storing and transporting delicate, three-dimensional materials, as they fail to effectively isolate and protect such items during transit, leading to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A material storage and transport system comprising a tray with an open-top design, a releasable strap, and a lid element, along with a sample carrier that uses a molded thermoplastic sheet to create discrete storage bubbles for samples, secured to a substrate with a heat-activated adhesive, and a compression strap to prevent movement and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional packaging technologies are used, then packaging simplicity is maintained, but protection of delicate three-dimensional materials is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is divided into distinct functional components: a tray for base support, a lid for top coverage, and a strap for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific protective function while maintaining overall system simplicity. The discrete bubbles formed in the tray further segment the space to isolate individual samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid element is designed to fit within the storage volume defined by the tray walls when arranged parallel to the bottom, creating a nested configuration. The strap system integrates with both the tray and lid structures, nesting multiple protective functions within a compact integrated system that minimizes external dimensions.
2Reliability
If materials are allowed to move freely in packaging, then ease of loading is maintained, but damage during transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strap system provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the packaging to be easily opened for loading by releasing the strap, and then securely closed for transport by tightening the strap. This dynamic mechanism transitions the system from an open, accessible state during loading to a constrained, protective state during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The releasable strap acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the need for easy access during loading and the need for rigid constraint during transport. The strap can be quickly released to allow lid removal for loading, then re-engaged to secure the lid and prevent movement, providing a simple transition between operational states.
3Reliability
If discrete storage spaces are created for each sample, then isolation and protection of samples is improved, but packaging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray incorporates a molded thermoplastic sheet that forms flexible discrete bubbles or compartments within the storage volume. These thin film structures create isolated spaces for individual samples without requiring rigid dividers or complex mechanical mechanisms, achieving sample isolation through a simple molded feature in the tray bottom.
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 system effectively isolates and secures three-dimensional samples, minimizing damage during transport by restricting movement in all directions and providing a secure, customizable packaging solution that fits within shipping boxes.
Implementation Method 1
a molded thermoplastic sheet to create discrete storage bubbles for samples, secured to a substrate with a heat-activated adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
A material storage and transport system is disclosed. The material storage and transport system can include a material storage tray forming an open-top storage volume defined by a bottom and walls extending up from the bottom along a perimeter of the bottom. The material storage and transport system can also include a releasable strap adapted to extend across the bottom when in a securing configuration and a sample carrier, including at least one sample secured to a sample support substrate by a molded sheet. A lid element and the sample carrier can be adapted (i) to fit within the storage volume when arranged parallel to the bottom, and (ii) to be secured to the material storage tray by the releasable strap.