Packing for cleaning tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packing solutions for cleaning tools fail to securely hold the tools during transportation, leading to bristle deformation and increased waste due to disposable and expensive packaging, which limits efficient space optimization on pallets.

Innovation Solution

A packing design with an isosceles trapezoidal cross-section and flaps that securely hold broom bases through transverse openings and pins, allowing for upside-down stacking and re-use, reducing empty spaces and material waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If cleaning tools are placed in disposable cardboard boxes for transportation, then the tools are protected from external damage, but the bristles deform due to lack of internal support and the packaging cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebristle deformationVSAvoidpackaging material waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The packing is divided into a base portion supporting the cleaning tool body and a separate cover portion that can be inverted over the bristles. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific protective function while using minimal material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover portion is designed to be inverted (turned upside down) to form the actual cover over the bristles. This inversion technique creates a stable protective structure that cradles the bristles without requiring extensive packaging material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If traditional box packings are used to contain cleaning tools, then the tools are contained, but empty spaces are created between connectors and packing walls, reducing stacking efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestacking efficiencyVSAvoidempty space in packing
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The packing base is designed with an asymmetric shape that complements the asymmetric shape of the cleaning tool body and connector. This asymmetric design eliminates empty spaces between the tool and packing walls, maximizing the use of available volume and improving stacking efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of operation

If connectors protrude from the packing, then the cleaning tools can be accessed, but empty spaces are created in the stack, reducing the number of packings that can be loaded onto a pallet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector accessibilityVSAvoidpallet loading capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover portion is inverted to form the cover, which allows the connectors to remain accessible while eliminating the empty spaces that would otherwise exist between protruding connectors and the packing walls. This inversion technique simultaneously achieves accessibility and space optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If disposable packaging is used, then the tools are protected during transport, but the cost increases and environmental waste is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool protectionVSAvoiddisposable material waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The packing is segmented into a reusable base portion and a separate cover portion. This segmentation allows the base to be retained and reused while only the cover needs to be disposed of, significantly reducing material waste compared to traditional disposable boxes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base portion of the packing is designed to be recovered and reused for subsequent packaging operations, while only the cover portion is discarded. This selective discarding and recovering approach minimizes material waste and reduces packaging costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP3468892B1Packing for cleaning tools
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 NUOVA F LLI DONDI
  • EP3468892B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3468892B1 patent drawingFigure 4~8
  • EP3468892B1 patent drawingFigure 9

AI summary

The packing for cleaning tools (1; 130; 150) comprises: a box-like shaped body (10; 100) defining a containing space (101; 303) of at least one cleaning tool, which has a longitudinal axis (X) and is bounded by a first plane face, a second plane face, which is opposite and parallel to the first face, and two flanks connecting said first and second face, all of said faces and flanks being parallel to said longitudinal axis (X); said box like shaped body (10; 100) having support means (MB1-MB6) of said at least one cleaning tool (1; 130; 150) in a transport position.