Recyclable Support Structure With Corrugated Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pallets are expensive, difficult to dispose of, non-recyclable, occupy significant space, and require different sizes for different objects, while honeycomb buffers lack strength in the horizontal direction and are prone to damage during transport and storage.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a body portion and strengthening means, such as concertinaed, corrugated, or folded members, providing rigidity in both vertical and horizontal directions, and a method of constructing the device using recyclable materials like board waste or compressed blocks, with location means to secure objects and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If honeycomb buffer structure is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced and recyclability is improved, but horizontal strength and damage resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support device combines a honeycomb buffer structure with horizontal strengthening members (such as cross-braces, diagonal supports, or rigid panels) to create a composite structure that maintains the cost and recyclability benefits of the honeycomb design while adding the necessary horizontal strength through supplementary structural elements
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer structure is divided into modular compartments with individual strengthening members positioned within specific compartments, allowing the horizontal strength to be added only where needed rather than reinforcing the entire structure uniformly, thus maintaining cost efficiency
2Strength
If conventional pallets are used, then strength and durability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases and environmental friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the parameters of the honeycomb buffer structure by changing the material composition (adding strengthening members), structural configuration (compartments and internal supports), and geometric parameters (wall thickness, cell size) to achieve pallet-level strength while maintaining the recyclable board material construction that reduces manufacturing cost and environmental impact
3Ease of manufacture
If buffer structure is used, then recyclability is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed with a compact configuration where strengthening members are nested within the honeycomb compartment structure, and multiple devices can be stacked or nested together when not in use, minimizing the space occupied while maintaining the recyclable buffer 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 support device offers improved strength, rigidity, and aesthetic appeal, allowing for the secure transport and storage of objects of various sizes and weights, while being inexpensive to manufacture and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
The strengthening means includes any or any combination of one or more concertinaed members, corrugated members and/or folded members. These folds, concertinas and/or corrugations are typically substantially vertically arranged to provide strength to the support device in a substantially vertical direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A support device is provided for supporting one or more objects above a ground surface. The device includes a QO body portion and location means associated with the body portion to allow location and/or engagement of one or more objects with the device in use. The body portion has at least one compartment defined therein for containing strengthening means.