Multilayer Cushioning Material With Directional Deformation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cushioning materials with uniform sheet structures distort unevenly when subjected to external forces, potentially damaging the contents and packaging.

Innovation Solution

A cushioning material with a multilayer structure, comprising layers with asymmetric strengths in different directions, allowing controlled distortion to minimize damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a plurality of cushioning sheets having the same structure are stacked, then the cushioning material can provide basic cushioning protection, but the cushioning material becomes distorted in a specific direction when external force is applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecushioning protectionVSAvoiddistortion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by creating cushioning sheets with different structural configurations - some sheets have longer wave patterns in the first direction while others have longer wave patterns in the second direction. This asymmetric design causes different sheets to deform in different directions when external force is applied, preventing overall distortion of the cushioning material while maintaining cushioning protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by varying the wave pattern orientation in different regions of the cushioning material. Sheets in certain areas have wave patterns optimized for deformation in the first direction, while sheets in other areas have wave patterns optimized for deformation in the second direction. This localized structural variation ensures that each region deforms appropriately under external force, preventing global distortion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If cushioning sheets are made with uniform structure for simplicity, then manufacturing is easier, but controlled distortion cannot be achieved to minimize damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddamage to contents

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cushioning material into multiple sheets with different wave pattern orientations. Instead of creating one complex non-uniform sheet, the design divides the cushioning material into several simpler sheets that can be manufactured independently using standard processes, then stacks them to achieve the desired controlled distortion behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces asymmetry in the wave pattern orientation of different sheets to enable controlled distortion. By making the wave patterns asymmetric relative to each other (some oriented horizontally, others vertically), the system achieves directional deformation control without requiring complex manufacturing processes for each individual sheet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS12459719B2Cushioning material and packaged product

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A cushioning material having a multilayer structure includes: a first layer whose strength in a first direction in which the cushioning material extends is stronger than a strength in a second direction that is a direction in which the cushioning material extends and is opposite to the first direction; and a second layer whose strength in the second direction is stronger than a strength in the first direction.