Segmented Cushioning Member for Stacked Outboard Motor Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packing structures for medium-sized or large-sized outboard motors are not strong enough to withstand multi-level stacking, leading to potential damage during transportation due to swinging and contact with the packing frame, and result in excessive use of polystyrene foam that generates industrial waste.

Innovation Solution

A cushioning member comprising a first cushioning member made of foam material and a second cushioning member made of a corrugated board assembly, disposed inside the packing frame to absorb impact loads through elastic and plastic deformation, reducing the need for excessive foam material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wide pad made of polystyrene foam is used to distribute the load, then the cushioning effect is improved, but the amount of foam material increases leading to greater industrial waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecushioning effectVSAvoidfoam material waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The cushioning member is divided into two distinct segments: a first cushioning member made of foam material and a second cushioning member made of corrugated board assembly. This segmentation allows each material to be used in an optimized manner, reducing the total amount of foam needed while maintaining cushioning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines two different materials (foam and corrugated board) into a composite cushioning structure. The foam material provides initial shock absorption, while the corrugated board assembly provides structural support and additional cushioning, creating a synergistic effect that reduces the need for excessive foam material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If the packing frame is designed with minimum strength and rigidity to reduce cost, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the frame cannot withstand large impacts and the cushioning material breaks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidimpact resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cushioning member is installed beforehand inside the packing frame to provide protective cushioning. This prior cushioning protects both the packed object and the packing frame during transportation, allowing the frame to be designed with minimum strength while still withstanding impacts without the cushioning material breaking.

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

3Device complexity

If the outboard motor is supported in an overhanging state on both sides of the stand, then the packing structure is simplified, but the motor may swing and contact the packing frame during impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacking structure complexityVSAvoidswinging and contact damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cushioning member acts as an intermediary element between the packed object and the packing frame. It fills the space and provides protective cushioning that prevents the motor from swinging and contacting the frame during impact, while maintaining the simplified overhanging support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 cushioning member effectively absorbs impact loads, minimizing breakage and reducing industrial waste by utilizing a combination of foam and corrugated board materials, enhancing protection and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an impact load applied by the packed object to the cushioning member is reduced by elastic deformation of the first cushioning member made of a foam material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

is absorbed by plastic deformation of the second cushioning member including a corrugated board assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4620858A1Cushioning member for packed object
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 SUZUKI MOTOR CORP
  • EP4620858A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4620858A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4620858A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

[Problem to be Solved] To provide a cushioning member for protecting a packed object, the cushioning member being designed to have an excellent cushioning effect with a small form and advantageously reduce industrial waste. [Solution] A cushioning member is disposed inside a side of a packing frame surrounding a packed object, the cushioning member being provided to protect the packed object secured on an inner bottom of the packing frame, the cushioning member comprising: a first cushioning member that has a front face disposed adjacent to the packed object and a back side opposite to the front face; and a second cushioning member that has an upper end in contact with the back side of the first cushioning member and a bottom disposed near the side of the packing frame, wherein the first cushioning member is made of a foam material, and the second cushioning member comprises a corrugated board assembly.