Segmented Cushioning System for Sink Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging systems for fragile goods like sinks are costly and require excessive space due to the need for extensive cushioning, leading to inefficiencies in logistics and increased transport costs.

Innovation Solution

A packaging system featuring adjustable floor and ceiling damping devices with protruding elements that provide targeted damping, allowing for reduced padding paths and adaptable packaging for various sink models, utilizing materials like molded fiber or corrugated cardboard for cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a high cushioning layer is used to provide sufficient damping, then the protection against damage during transport is improved, but the installation space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against damageVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cushioning system is divided into multiple discrete cushioning elements distributed across the base and top surfaces, rather than using a single continuous high cushioning layer. This segmentation allows targeted protection where needed while minimizing overall space consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Cushioning elements are strategically positioned at critical locations where damage is most likely to occur during transport, providing localized protection rather than uniform cushioning throughout. This ensures sufficient damping at key points while reducing the total volume required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If extensive cushioning materials are used to protect fragile goods, then the reliability of transport protection is improved, but the material usage and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport protectionVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The cushioning system uses multiple small discrete elements instead of large amounts of continuous cushioning material. This segmentation reduces total material consumption while maintaining protective effectiveness through strategic placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Cushioning elements are placed only where protection is actually needed during transport, avoiding wasteful use of materials in areas where protection is not required. This localized approach minimizes material usage while ensuring adequate protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If a uniform cushioning system is used for all sink models, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the adaptability to different sink models decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging system manufacturingVSAvoidadaptability to sink models
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cushioning system consists of modular, discrete elements that can be independently positioned and configured. This modularity allows the same basic system to be adapted to different sink models by simply rearranging or selecting different numbers of elements, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging system allows for dynamic configuration of cushioning elements based on the specific sink model being packaged. Elements can be positioned, added, or removed to match the dimensions and shape of different sinks, providing adaptability without requiring completely different packaging systems for each model.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system minimizes installation space, reduces material usage, enhances flexibility, and lowers transport costs while maintaining effective protection against damage during transit, improving logistics and sustainability.

Implementation Method 1

at least one bottom cushioning device with a base forming essentially one plane and at least one bottom cushioning element projecting in a first direction from the base, and at least one top cushioning device with a base forming essentially one plane and at least one top cushioning element projecting in a second direction from the base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3608257A1Packaging system for cargo and method for packaging cargo
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 BLANCO GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3608257A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3608257A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3608257A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a packaging system for transported goods, in particular in the form of sanitary products such as sinks and the like, wherein the transported goods are at least partially provided with pre-packaging, comprising at least one bottom cushioning device with a base forming essentially one plane and at least one bottom cushioning element projecting in a first direction from the base, and at least one top cushioning device with a base forming essentially one plane and at least one top cushioning element projecting in a second direction from the base, wherein the bottom cushioning device and the top cushioning device are configured to receive the transported goods between them.such that the damping elements arranged projecting in the first and second directions point towards the transported goods and the pre-packaging is spaced apart from the respective base of the damping device by means of the damping elements arranged projecting, in particular wherein the maximum extension of the respective damping device towards the pre-packaging is different, in particular wherein the maximum extension of the bottom damping device is greater than that of the top damping device.