Reinforced Plate Package Structure for Thin Display Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lightweight and thin display panels suffer from damage due to vibration and flexural deformation during shipping, as existing package structures fail to adequately protect the center region and are inefficient in packing operations.

Innovation Solution

A package structure comprising a reinforced plate with a buffer member attached to the display apparatus, a cushion member positioned on top, and corner cushions to support the display apparatus, ensuring protection from shocks and vibrations by distributing forces across the reinforced plate and cushion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If light metals such as aluminum are used for display panel frames and cabinets to reduce weight, then the weight decreases to around 6 kg from 10 kg, but the stiffness becomes low compared to heavy display panels

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweightVSAvoidstiffness
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The package structure divides protection into multiple segments: corner cushions at four corners, a reinforced plate at the back, and a cushion member at the center. This segmentation allows each component to address specific weakness points of the lightweight display panel, providing comprehensive protection without adding excessive overall weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The package structure applies different protection qualities to different locations: soft cushioning at corners, rigid reinforcement at the back plate, and central cushioning at the vulnerable center region. This local differentiation optimizes protection effectiveness for each specific vulnerability of the lightweight panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Length of moving object

If the display panel is made thinner with thin components and small distances between components, then the thickness decreases to 10 mm or less from 30 mm or more, but the cell panel is damaged at the rear side due to rubbing or hitting between the cell panel and optical sheet when vibration is externally applied

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethicknessVSAvoidvibration damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforced plate is attached to the back surface of the display panel before shipping, creating a protective barrier in advance. This pre-installed structure prevents vibration-induced damage by providing structural support and spacing between the cell panel and optical sheet before any harmful vibration occurs during transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforced plate acts as an intermediary structure between the cell panel and external vibration forces. It absorbs and distributes vibrational energy, preventing direct transmission to the fragile thin components and avoiding rubbing or hitting between the cell panel and optical sheet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If the package box is made thinner to reduce size, then the packaging efficiency improves, but when the package box falls down the packed cell panel or display apparatus suffers flexure deformation as protruding in the direction of falling down at the center region

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage sizeVSAvoidflexure deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion member is attached to the center region of the back surface before packaging, proactively protecting the vulnerable center area before any drop occurs. This preliminary protection prevents flexure deformation by absorbing impact energy at the most vulnerable point during potential drops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The package structure changes the mechanical parameters at the center region by adding the cushion member, which modifies the local stiffness and energy absorption characteristics. This allows the thin package box to withstand drop impacts without causing flexure deformation at the center region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If buffer members are provided only at four corners to support the display apparatus, then the packing structure is simple, but the center region between opposing corners is not protected when the package box falls down

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacking structureVSAvoidunprotected center region
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protection system is segmented into three distinct components: corner cushions for corner protection, a reinforced plate for back surface support, and a cushion member specifically for center region protection. This segmentation ensures comprehensive coverage of all vulnerable areas while maintaining relatively simple individual components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different protection qualities are applied to different regions: corner cushions at corners, rigid reinforcement at the back, and soft cushioning at the center. This local differentiation ensures each region receives appropriate protection tailored to its specific vulnerability, with the cushion member specifically addressing the unprotected center region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 package structure effectively minimizes vibration and deformation of thin display panels, enhances packing efficiency, and prevents damage during shipping by distributing forces and providing comprehensive support.

Implementation Method 1

a cushion member to be attached to a top portion of the display apparatus when the display apparatus is packed, the top portion being positioned at the top side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

a buffer member fixed to the first end portion of the reinforced plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce distribution: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2289818B1Package structure for thin display apparatus and method of packing thin display apparatus
Publication Date: 2012.10.10 JVC KENWOOD CORP
  • EP2289818B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP2289818B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2289818B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A thin display apparatus is packed in a package box. A reinforced plate is attached to the display apparatus. The reinforced plate has a first end portion, a second end portion, a middle bent portion and a buffer member fixed to the first end portion. The first and second portions face each other with the bent portion located therebetween and connected thereto. The reinforced plate is attached to the display apparatus so that the bent portion is set on a top portion of the display apparatus at a top side, the buffer member is positioned at a front side of the display apparatus as facing a display screen and the second portion is positioned at a rear side of the display apparatus. A cushion member is attached to the reinforced plate so that the cushion member is set on the bent portion set on the top portion.