Recyclable Shipping Crate Laminated Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shipping crates for fine art are often non-recyclable and non-biodegradable, leading to significant waste and environmental concerns, and lack structural integrity for valuable contents, limiting their reuse and applicability in commercial airfreight transport.
Innovation Solution
A shipping crate constructed from recyclable and biodegradable materials, featuring a laminated structure with overlapping components and removable lid, reinforced corners, and minimal use of petroleum-based adhesives and fasteners, providing structural support and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional crates are built from plywood, heat treated lumber, synthetic adhesives, and metal fasteners, then structural integrity and crush resistance are improved, but recyclability and biodegradability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite construction with plywood layers bonded by adhesives, creating a structure that combines strength with improved environmental properties. The multi-layer composite design maintains structural integrity while using materials that can be more easily recycled or treated than traditional solid wood crates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the materials by using specific adhesives and treatments that improve both structural properties and environmental compatibility. The plywood undergoes chemical treatment to enhance strength while maintaining recyclability characteristics.
2Strength
If crates are sized to the particular artwork to be shipped, then protection and structural support are improved, but reusability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The crate is designed as an assembly of discrete components including panels, corners, and internal bracing that can be separated and reconfigured. This segmented construction allows the same components to be assembled into different crate sizes for various artwork dimensions, improving reusability while maintaining adequate protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The crate incorporates adjustable and removable elements such as internal bracing and positioning systems that can be dynamically reconfigured to accommodate different artwork sizes and shapes, transforming a static single-purpose crate into a dynamic multi-purpose container.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If multi-use crates are upgraded with additional batten reinforcement, painted exterior, interior insulation, and threaded bolt plate closures, then durability and reusability are improved, but cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reinforcement and protective treatments only where structurally necessary rather than uniformly across the entire crate. For example, corner reinforcements and edge battens are applied selectively to high-stress areas, providing adequate durability while reducing material costs compared to full-surface treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the crate receive different levels of treatment and reinforcement based on their functional requirements. High-stress areas like corners and edges receive additional reinforcement, while lower-stress areas use simpler construction, optimizing the balance between durability and cost.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If recyclable and biodegradable materials are used, then environmental impact is reduced, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plywood composite material that combines wood fibers bonded with adhesives to create a structure with strength comparable to traditional solid wood while maintaining recyclability. The composite structure achieves structural integrity through the synergistic combination of materials rather than relying on single-material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the recyclable materials through processing treatments that enhance strength properties. The plywood and adhesives undergo controlled chemical changes during manufacturing to optimize structural performance while preserving environmental compatibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A shipping crate is provided having multiple walls. In each wall, a first wall layer has sides and a first thickness and a second wall layer has sides extending past each of the sides of the first wall by the first thickness. The crate also has a back panel having a first back panel layer and at least a partial second back panel layer. The first back panel layer has sides and a thickness substantially similar to the first thickness and the second back panel layer extends past each of the sides of the first back panel layer by the first thickness. When assembled, the first wall layers of each of the walls combine to form a post and lintel assembly. The second wall layers of each of the plurality of walls combine to form a second post and lintel assembly distinct from the first post and lintel assembly.