Shock-Absorbing Member Structure for Pallet Fixation Loads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging solutions, such as pallets, often suffer damage from external shocks due to direct fixation of products on top plates without shock-absorbing components, leading to potential damage and increased costs from thickening materials or using high-stiffness materials, which can also harm the environment by rendering shock-absorbing materials unusable.

Innovation Solution

A shock-absorbing member is integrated between the top plate and the fixation target, comprising a fixation part and a shock-absorbing part supported by the top plate, which disperses forces applied during external shocks through a configuration of lower and upper rod materials and brackets, allowing for effective absorption of shocks without direct contact with the top plate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixation target is fixed directly on a top plate without a shock absorbing part, then the structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the shock absorbing capability is insufficient leading to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock absorbing capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A shock absorbing member is introduced as an intermediary component between the top plate and the fixation target. This member includes a shock absorbing part that directly contacts the fixation target and a fixation part that attaches to the top plate, creating a buffer zone that absorbs shocks and prevents direct transmission to the fixation target, thereby improving reliability without requiring fundamental structural changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The shock absorbing member is divided into distinct functional segments: a shock absorbing part with specific elastic modulus and density for impact absorption, and a fixation part for securing the assembly to the top plate. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If thick materials or high-stiffness materials are used to prevent shock damage, then shock resistance is improved, but material cost increases and environmental harm increases due to rendering shock-absorbing materials unusable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock resistanceVSAvoidmaterial waste and environmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The shock absorbing part is designed with specific material parameters including an elastic modulus between 0.01 to 10 GPa and density between 10 to 500 kg/m³. By optimizing these parameters, the material provides effective shock absorption while using minimal quantity, reducing both material cost and environmental impact compared to using thick or high-stiffness materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The shock absorbing member is designed as a replaceable, cost-effective component that can be easily manufactured and installed. Rather than using expensive, thick structural materials throughout the entire system, a dedicated but simpler shock absorbing component handles the impact protection function, reducing overall material consumption and waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If shock absorbing materials are used heavily to absorb shocks, then shock absorption capacity is improved, but the materials become damaged and unusable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock absorption capacityVSAvoidusability duration of shock absorbing materials

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The shock absorbing member is pre-installed between the top plate and the fixation target before any shock occurs. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when shocks occur during transportation or handling, the energy is absorbed by the designed elastic deformation of the shock absorbing part, which is engineered to recover or be replaced, thereby extending the operational duration and usability of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This configuration reduces damage to the pallet and shock-absorbing materials by dispersing forces, improving shock absorption efficiency and allowing for flexible positioning of brackets, while preventing damage to casters and maintaining the usability of shock-absorbing materials.

Implementation Method 1

a shock absorbing part that is supported by the top plate, supports the fixation part, and absorbs a shock acting on the fixation part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11912461B2Shock absorbing member, packaging material, and package

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A shock absorbing member which absorbs a shock acting between a top plate with an upper surface on which a fixation target is loaded and the fixation target includes a fixation part that fixes the fixation target and a shock absorbing part that is supported by the top plate, supports the fixation part, and absorbs a shock acting on the fixation part.