Pulp-Based Display Stand Connector for Cardboard Recyclability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display stand connectors made from injection-moulded plastic are not recyclable, leading to inefficiencies in the recycling process as they need to be disassembled before the stand can be recycled, often resulting in the stand being disposed of instead.
Innovation Solution
A display stand connector made from pulp material, featuring a body member with a protuberance and a base with a slot, allowing secure attachment of shelves to the stand while being recyclable alongside cardboard, using a pulp material like wood pulp or bagasse, and adhesive or bonding methods that do not hinder recycling or composting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If injection-moulded plastic connectors are used to attach shelves to display stand walls, then the structural strength and stability of the display stand is improved, but the recyclability of the display stand deteriorates because the plastic connectors cannot be recycled with the cardboard material
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is made entirely from cardboard material, making it homogeneous with the display stand structure. This allows the entire stand including connectors to be recycled together as paper/cardboard material, eliminating the recyclability problem caused by mixed materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector uses composite construction with inner and outer cardboard layers bonded together using adhesive. This composite structure provides the necessary strength and stability to replace plastic connectors while maintaining compatibility with cardboard recycling processes.
2Ease of operation
If injection-moulded plastic connectors are used to connect display stand parts, then the ease of assembly during construction is improved, but the time required for disposal and recycling deteriorates because connectors must be removed before recycling
Solution Approach 1:
The connector merges the function of joining display stand parts with the requirement for recyclability. By making the connector from cardboard material that can be recycled with the stand, the disassembly step is eliminated, saving time during disposal while maintaining ease of assembly during construction.
3Reliability
If injection-moulded plastic connectors are used to attach shelves to walls, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the environmental harm increases due to waste generation from non-recyclable materials
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is made entirely from cardboard material, making it homogeneous with the display stand structure. This allows the entire stand including connectors to be recycled together as paper/cardboard material, eliminating the recyclability problem caused by mixed materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector converts the potential harm of waste generation into benefit by being fully recyclable with the display stand. The cardboard material that would otherwise be waste is transformed into a recyclable resource, turning an environmental problem into a sustainable solution.
Data Source
AI summary
A display stand connector can include a first part including a body member for attachment to a first part of a display stand and a protuberance extending from at least one surface of the body member. A second part of the display stand connector can include a base for attachment to a second part of the display stand, the base including a slot. The body member of the first part is locatable within the slot so as to connect the first and second parts of the display stand. The display stand connector is made from a pulp material.