Sectioned Corrugated Sleeve for Stable Thermal Pack Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corrugated sleeves for thermal packs fail to maintain the packs in position during shipment or storage, leading to shifting and uneven temperature distribution when the packs thaw, causing bulging or bending of the sleeve.
Innovation Solution
A sectioned corrugated sleeve design with pack assemblies, including dividers and tabs, that securely holds thermal packs in place without the need for adhesives, maintaining structural integrity and preventing shifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If thermal packs are placed in a standard rectangular corrugated sleeve, then the sleeve structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the thermal packs shift during shipment causing bulging or bending of the sleeve
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is divided into multiple sections with pack assemblies positioned at intervals. Each pack assembly includes dividers and tabs that segment the interior space to individually secure thermal packs, preventing shifting while maintaining the overall corrugated sleeve structure
Solution Approach 2:
Pack assemblies extend from the front height panel into the interior space of the sleeve, adding a third dimensional element that protrudes inward to create physical barriers (dividers) and anchoring points (tabs) without changing the external rectangular dimensions of the sleeve
2Device complexity
If thermal packs are allowed to move freely in the sleeve, then the sleeve maintains its simple rectangular shape, but uneven temperature distribution occurs when packs thaw
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve interior is segmented into multiple compartments by pack assemblies, with each assembly creating defined spaces that position thermal packs at specific locations. This ensures uniform spacing and prevents clustering, allowing even heat distribution when packs thaw
Solution Approach 2:
Pack assemblies act as intermediary structures between the sleeve walls and thermal packs. The dividers and tabs provide intermediate positioning elements that maintain optimal spacing between packs and between packs and sleeve walls, facilitating uniform thermal environment
3Reliability
If pack assemblies with dividers and tabs are added to the sleeve, then thermal packs are securely held in place, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the pack assemblies: they provide structural reinforcement to the sleeve, create positioning dividers, and offer anchoring tabs all in a single integrated component. This reduces the number of separate parts needed while achieving multiple objectives
Solution Approach 2:
The pack assemblies are constructed from corrugated cardboard material that provides flexibility for assembly while maintaining sufficient rigidity to hold packs in place. The material flexibility allows the assemblies to be inserted and configured within the sleeve without requiring complex fastening mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A corrugated sleeve comprising an upper panel forming the top of the sleeve, a lower panel forming the bottom of the sleeve, at least two height panels forming the front and back of the sleeve, respectively, and at least two side panels forming the left and right of the sleeve, respectively. The upper, lower, height, and side panels thereby form the external structure of the sleeve. The sleeve may also include at least one pack assembly which extends from one of the panels, and for example from the end height panel. Each pack assembly may include at least one pack divider, which can be positioned between adjacent thermal packs when such thermal packs are contained within the sleeve.