Packaging System With Segmented Damping Elements For Sink Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging systems for transporting fragile goods like sinks provide inadequate protection against corner, edge, and surface falls, and are not cost-effective for various models.

Innovation Solution

A packaging system with floor and ceiling damping devices featuring multiple damping elements arranged around the edges and corners, including graded and elongated designs, to provide comprehensive protection and adaptability across different sink models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional packaging with basic cushioning elements is used, then manufacturing is simple, but protection against corner and edge falls is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against corner and edge fallsVSAvoidpackaging structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging system divides the cushioning function into multiple specialized elements: corner cushioning elements positioned at corners, edge cushioning elements along edges, and surface cushioning elements on flat surfaces. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific protective function while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the packaging receive different types and densities of cushioning elements based on their specific vulnerability. Corner regions receive corner cushioning elements designed for impact absorption, edge regions receive edge cushioning elements for lateral protection, and surface regions receive surface cushioning elements. This localized optimization provides comprehensive protection without uniformly increasing complexity throughout the entire packaging structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If packaging is customized for each sink model, then protection is optimized, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection optimizationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging system uses a standardized set of cushioning elements (corner, edge, and surface elements) that can be universally applied across different sink models. The same basic component types serve multiple functions and accommodate various sink sizes and shapes by adjusting only the arrangement and quantity of elements, not the fundamental design. This universality reduces manufacturing costs through economies of scale while maintaining adequate protection for different product variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging system allows dynamic adaptation to different sink models through flexible arrangement of standardized elements. The cushioning elements can be repositioned, added, or removed based on the specific dimensions and characteristics of each sink model, enabling the same component set to optimize protection for various products without requiring custom tooling or specialized manufacturing processes for each model.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If more cushioning elements are added, then protection is improved, but material consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport protectionVSAvoidmaterial consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging system applies cushioning elements selectively based on the specific protection needs of each region. Rather than uniformly distributing cushioning material throughout the entire packaging volume, the system concentrates cushioning elements at critical locations (corners, edges, and surfaces most vulnerable to damage). This partial action approach provides adequate protection with reduced material consumption by avoiding excessive cushioning in areas where it is not needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the cushioning function into distinct corner, edge, and surface elements, the system efficiently allocates material only where required for protection. Each segment uses the minimum necessary material to perform its specific protective function, preventing waste while ensuring comprehensive coverage of all vulnerable areas. The segmented approach allows precise material placement rather than blanket application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 offers enhanced protection against falls while being cost-effective, allowing for efficient packaging of multiple sink models with reduced material consumption and simplified production.

Implementation Method 1

at least two corner ceiling damping elements are arranged in the corner region, projecting from the ceiling base on different sides... at least two corner floor damping elements are arranged in the corner region, projecting from the floor base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the ceiling base has at least two ceiling damping elements arranged projecting from the ceiling base on different sides... the floor base has at least two floor damping elements arranged projecting from the floor base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP4227239A1Packaging system for goods to be transported
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 BLANCO GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4227239A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4227239A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4227239A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a packaging system for transported goods, in particular in the form of sanitary products such as sinks and the like, wherein the transported goods are at least partially provided with pre-packaging, comprising at least one bottom cushioning device and at least one top cushioning device, wherein in a packaged state the transported goods with pre-packaging are arranged between the at least one bottom cushioning device and the at least one top cushioning device, and wherein the top cushioning device has a ceiling base forming a substantially one plane, wherein the ceiling base has at least two ceiling cushioning elements which are arranged on different sides of the ceiling base projecting from the ceiling base, and wherein the bottom cushioning device has a floor base forming a substantially one plane, wherein the floor base has at least two floor cushioning elements.which are arranged on different sides of the base, projecting from the base.