Object-Retaining Package With Adjustable Opening for Secure Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions for transporting objects are inefficient due to the bulkiness of foam restraints, require specialized equipment for deformation, are difficult to use, and often necessitate multiple package sizes for different item sizes, leading to increased handling time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A package with foldable, lightweight retention means that include actuation and return mechanisms to easily adjust the access opening size, allowing for secure object immobilization without increasing package weight or storage space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional packaging materials (cardboard, plastic, foam) are used to protect fragile items, then cushioning and protection are provided, but environmental pollution increases and materials are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging material uses its own structural properties (air pockets trapped within the matrix) to provide cushioning and protection, eliminating the need for separate protective materials. The material serves both as packaging and as the protective element through its inherent compressible structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging material is designed to be fully biodegradable and compostable, returning to the environment without pollution. The material can be discarded after use without harmful environmental impact, replacing conventional non-biodegradable protective materials.
2Volume of moving object
If custom-shaped packaging is designed to fit products precisely, then space is saved and protection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging material is produced in standard rectangular blocks that can be easily segmented and shaped. The extrusion process creates uniform segments that can be cut and configured to fit different product shapes without requiring complex custom manufacturing for each product.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties (particularly density and compressibility) can be adjusted during manufacturing to achieve different levels of protection. This allows standard shapes to provide adequate protection for various products without requiring custom-shaped packaging for each application.
3Reliability
If multiple separate packaging materials are used (box, cushioning, wrapping), then protection is enhanced, but device complexity and material waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging material combines multiple functions into a single component: structural support, cushioning protection, and packaging containment. The integrated material eliminates the need for separate boxes, cushioning materials, and wrapping, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging material serves multiple protective functions simultaneously - it provides structural rigidity for stacking, compressible cushioning for impact protection, and surface coverage for product containment. This multi-functional material replaces several specialized materials.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a package (1) for transporting objects, which comprises: - a box (2); - means for retaining objects, having an opening for accessing a receiving volume; - actuating means configured to change the size of the access opening, from a widened configuration to a narrowed configuration, or vice versa, characterised in that the package (1) also comprises return means configured to keep the access opening in its widened configuration, the actuating means acting against the return means in the narrowed configuration of the access opening.