Package Retaining Panel with Parallelogram Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional transport packages with bungee cords as retaining means face issues where the cords may be either insufficient to hold objects securely or overly tensioned, causing sudden lid opening and complicating closure, especially with bulky objects.

Innovation Solution

The package employs a deformable parallelogram mechanism with compression means that reduces the elastic deformation capacity of the elastic links when the cover is closed, allowing for effective object retention without sudden lid opening, using a combination of front and rear elastic links and deployable members to guide the plate and manage tension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bungee cords with greater restoring force are used to hold objects securely, then object retention improves, but the lid opens abruptly when closing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject retentionVSAvoidlid closing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the elastic links from fully extended to compressed by introducing compression means. This parameter change allows the elastic links to store potential energy in a controlled manner, providing strong retention force when needed while preventing abrupt lid opening during closing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces deployable members that can dynamically adjust the configuration of the elastic links between extended and compressed states. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt its behavior based on operational needs, providing strong retention during transport while enabling smooth lid closing when the deployable members are retracted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If bungee cords are made larger to increase restoring force, then object retention improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject retentionVSAvoidrestraint system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the restraint system into modular components: elastic links, deployable members, and compression means. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, simplifying the overall design while achieving reliable object retention through the coordinated action of these standardized modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If elastic return means are used to press the platform against the bottom, then object retention improves, but the lid opening becomes abrupt

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject retentionVSAvoidlid opening speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-compresses the elastic links using compression means before the lid closing operation. This beforehand cushioning stores potential energy in a controlled manner, preventing the abrupt release that would cause sudden lid opening while still providing sufficient retention force for object security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This design ensures better object retention during shocks and maintains easy package closure, as the tension is managed to provide sufficient holding force without sudden release or increased difficulty in closing, especially with bulky items.

Implementation Method 1

The coupling mechanism incorporates elastic return means to bring the platform back into a position pressed against the bottom

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

compression means for reducing an elastic deformation capacity of the at least one elastic link

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4326639B1Package comprising means for keeping an object in place
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 PA COTTE SA
  • EP4326639B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4326639B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4326639B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a package (1) comprising: - a box (2) defining a cavity, the cavity being delimited by inner faces (24); - closure means for closing the cavity, comprising a lid (3), the closure means being mounted on the box (2) so as to be movable between an open position allowing access to the cavity and a closed position closing access to the cavity; - retaining means (4) comprising a panel (41) for pressing an object against one of the inner faces (24) of the box (2), referred to as the support face, and a coupling mechanism for coupling the panel (41) to the lid (3) and to the box (2), the coupling mechanism comprising resilient return means (6) for returning the panel (41) into a position in which the panel (41) is pressed against the support face.