Polyester Wadding Wedging Module with Off-Axis Fiber Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wedging systems for fragile objects in containers lack optimal resistance to shock pressures, as commonly used damping elements do not effectively distribute pressure evenly, leading to inadequate protection during transport and storage.
Innovation Solution
A wedging module utilizing polyester wadding with veils oriented off-axis relative to the expected compression axis, enhancing resistance to pressure and shock absorption by alternating layers with varying fiber density and orientation to match the object's surface for improved compressibility and contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If layers of wadding are arranged to envelop the object, then the object can be affixed and wedged for protection, but the wadding is not optimized to resist shock pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different regions within the wadding structure with different fiber orientations. The first region has fibers oriented in a first direction while the second region has fibers oriented in a second direction different from the first. This allows different parts of the wadding to provide different functions: one region optimizes for conforming to the object surface while another region optimizes for resisting shock pressures from specific directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by deliberately orienting fiber veils in non-uniform, non-symmetric patterns. Rather than using uniform random orientation or symmetric layered structures, the invention uses asymmetric fiber arrangement where veils are positioned at specific angles relative to each other. This asymmetric structure provides optimized resistance to shock pressures coming from multiple directions while maintaining the ability to conform to irregular object shapes.
2Ease of manufacture
If damping elements are arranged in a simple anarchic manner, then the system is easy to implement, but the protection from shocks is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the orientation parameters of fiber veils within the wadding structure. Different veils are oriented at different angles and directions, creating a controlled distribution of fiber orientations. This parametric variation allows the wadding to provide reliable shock protection from multiple directions while maintaining manufacturability through standardized production processes that can control fiber orientation during manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wadding sheets conform easily to object shape, then wedging is simplified, but resistance to compression pressure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the wadding structure into multiple distinct regions with different fiber orientations. The wadding is segmented into a first region with fibers oriented in a first direction and a second region with fibers oriented in a second direction. This segmentation allows each region to specialize: one region provides conformability to the object surface while another region provides compression resistance, and both functions are integrated into a single wadding structure.
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 solution significantly increases the compressibility and impact resistance of the wedging module, demonstrated by compressibility tests showing a pressure difference ratio of 3.8 to 6.9 between edge and face pressures, effectively protecting objects from shocks by optimizing the distribution of pressure and fiber alignment.
Implementation Method 1
the axis of superposition of the veils of this part is oriented off-axis with respect to the axis of compression likely to be generated by an object
Implementation Method 2
This solution significantly increases the compressibility and impact resistance of the wedging module
Data Source
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AI summary
The module has a wadding (3), made of polyester, formed from a portion of a sheet (3a) that is formed by superposition of veils (3b), made of polyester fibers. Portion of the veils is positioned, so that a superposition axis (Y) of the veils is directed in an eccentric way with respect to an axis (X) of compression likely to be generated by an object (1) and supported by the module. The part of the veils is positioned, so that the superposition axis is directed orthogonally and parallel to the compression axis.