Stackable Packaging Unit With Self-Centring Ridge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging solutions for stackable products are inefficient in automation, stability, and adaptability, often requiring precise alignment and limiting flexibility in stack height, which complicates handling, transportation, and unloading processes.

Innovation Solution

A stackable packaging unit with an encircling wall featuring a corner ridge that divides into retaining panels, combined with an intermediate element having a plane insert wall and centring wedges, allowing for self-alignment and adjustable stack height, facilitating automated handling and stability during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional enclosures are used for packaging, then products can be protected during transport, but the enclosure requires precise alignment and predefined stack height, limiting adaptability and complicating automation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestack height adaptabilityVSAvoidalignment precision requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is divided into modular packaging units that can be stacked in variable quantities. Each unit has standardized centring features (protrusions and recesses) that enable consistent alignment regardless of total stack height, allowing adaptability without increased complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging unit design with standardized centring profiles (protrusions and recesses) serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables alignment, and allows variable stacking configurations. This universal design eliminates the need for precise alignment procedures while maintaining stability across different stack heights

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If shallow crates with reliefs and slots are used for stacking, then stacking stability can be achieved, but the construction becomes complex and requires accurate positioning that is hardly compatible with automation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestacking stabilityVSAvoidautomation compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging unit features self-centring mechanisms where protrusions on one unit automatically align with recesses on another unit during stacking. This self-alignment feature eliminates the need for precise positioning operations, making the system compatible with automated handling while maintaining stacking stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring the stacking machine to precisely position crates using complex slot-and-relief mechanisms, the design inverts the approach by providing self-centring protrusions and recesses that automatically align units. This inversion simplifies automation requirements while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Strength

If packaging units require predefined stack height, then structural integrity can be maintained, but flexibility to adapt to different requirements is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidstack height flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging system transitions from static predefined stack heights to dynamic variable stacking. The standardized centring features allow the structure to adapt to different stack heights while maintaining integrity through consistent connection mechanisms at each interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If products are destacked from top of enclosure, then handling can be performed, but additional constraints are generated and automation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedestacking capabilityVSAvoidautomation constraint

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is segmented into individual packaging units with standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows units to be removed independently from either top or bottom, eliminating the constraint of must-be-top-destination and simplifying automated destacking operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8931640B2Stackable packaging unit

Publication Date: 2015.01.13 BECTON DICKINSON FRANCE SAS

AI summary

The present invention pertains to a stackable packaging unit (1) for the packaging of products (100), the said packaging unit (1) comprising at least one encircling wall (2) provided at least with a corner ridge (3) dividing it into at least two retaining panels (2a) Partially folded down towards one another about the said corner ridge (3) so as to hold the said products (100) to be packaged, at least one end of the said corner ridge (3) being connected to the corresponding edges of the said retaining panels (2a) by at least one inclined centring profile. The stackable packaging unit (1) also comprises an intermediate element. The invention also pertains to a packaging comprising at least one such packaging unit (1).