Configurable Partition Support Rings for Canister Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions for irradiated hardware and contaminated materials face challenges in accommodating varying shapes and sizes while ensuring safe containment and efficient transport, as they often require excessive dunnage and are not easily configurable for different orientations.
Innovation Solution
A canister assembly with a configurable partition support system, featuring inner support rings and partitions that can be rearranged to accommodate various packaging orientations, made from suitable materials like carbon or stainless steel, allowing for flexible and safe storage of irradiated hardware and other materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing packaging solutions are used for irradiated hardware, then containment safety is maintained, but excessive dunnage is required and adaptability to varying shapes and sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is divided into modular components: a canister assembly with removable partitions and support rings that can be configured in different arrangements. This segmentation allows the same basic structure to accommodate various shapes and sizes of irradiated hardware without requiring excessive dunnage, as the partitions themselves become the structural support elements rather than separate dunnage items.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition support assembly is designed as a universal system where support rings and partitions serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, define packaging orientations, and accommodate different hardware configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dunnage items while maintaining containment safety across various packaging scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed partition configurations are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different packaging orientations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The partition support system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Support rings can be positioned at different locations within the canister, and partitions can be arranged in various orientations and configurations. This dynamic design allows adaptation to different packaging orientations while maintaining relatively simple individual components that assemble into flexible configurations.
3Weight of stationary object
If minimal dunnage is used, then weight and space are optimized, but structural support for diverse contents may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The structural support function and the partition function are merged into a single integrated system. The support rings and partitions work together as a unified structure that provides both division of contents and structural support simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for separate support structures and dunnage, optimizing weight while maintaining adequate structural support capability through the combined action of the partition support assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A partition support assembly for a canister assembly generally includes at least one inner support ring configured to support one or more partitions for dividing the interior of the canister assembly for packaging contents to be received within the canister assembly, wherein the one or more partitions are configurable in a plurality of packaging orientations. A canister assembly and a method for containing packaging contents are also provided.