Reusable Packaging Assembly with Segmented Clips

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging solutions for large and small items during shipping are bulky, inefficient in space usage, and not reusable, leading to damage and increased storage costs.

Innovation Solution

A packaging assembly comprising a top cap and bottom pad with clips that securely position and retain items within shipping containers, allowing for efficient use of space and reusability, featuring adjustable clip configurations to accommodate various item shapes and sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional packaging assemblies are used for large appliances, then items are protected during shipping, but the packaging is bulky and occupies excessive storage space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveitem protectionVSAvoidpackaging storage space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging assembly is divided into separate functional components: a reusable top cap and bottom pad that can be stored separately from the appliance, allowing compact storage when not in use while providing full protection during shipping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging assembly is designed to be recovered and reused across multiple shipping cycles. The top cap and bottom pad can be removed, stored, and reused for subsequent shipments, eliminating the need to discard and replace bulky packaging materials after each use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Reliability

If traditional packaging assemblies are used, then items are secured during shipping, but the packaging cannot be reused and increases storage costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveitem securingVSAvoidpackaging reusability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging assembly is designed to be recovered and reused across multiple shipping cycles. The top cap and bottom pad can be removed, stored, and reused for subsequent shipments, eliminating the need to discard and replace packaging materials after each use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging assembly serves multiple functions: protecting items during shipping, securing them in place with clips, and can be reused for subsequent shipments. The same components can accommodate different appliance sizes and types, providing universal applicability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If packaging assemblies are designed for various item shapes and sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveitem shape accommodationVSAvoidpackaging assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging assembly incorporates adjustable clips that can be repositioned along the top cap and bottom pad to accommodate different item sizes and shapes. This dynamic adjustability allows a single packaging design to serve multiple purposes without increasing overall structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging assembly serves multiple functions: protecting items during shipping, securing them in place with clips, and can be reused for subsequent shipments. The same components can accommodate different appliance sizes and types, providing universal applicability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7648026B2Packaging assembly for containing and shipping articles

Publication Date: 2010.01.19 GEORGIA PACIFIC CORRUGATED LLC

AI summary

Disclosed is a packaging assembly for securing an item in a carton. A top cap, a bottom pad and if desired, one or more middle pads, each include a board and a plurality of clips secured to the board. The clips are arranged to engage the item at spaced apart locations around the top and bottom portion of the item, respectively. In an alternative embodiment, one of the legs of one or more of the clips has a ledge projecting outwardly to engage a surface of the item. In yet another embodiment, only one of the top cap and bottom pad includes clips to position and retain the item in the carton. In addition, the multiple clips may be formed as an integral unit.