Stacking Ring for Chair Base Transport to Reduce Packaging Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for shipping chair bases are inefficient due to excessive use of cardboard boxes, which result in unnecessary waste, added weight, and unused space, as well as inadequate protection against damage during transport.
Innovation Solution
A modified chair base design featuring a hub and radially extending arms that can be stacked with plastic wrap to form a cohesive unit, eliminating the need for cardboard boxes and utilizing a stacking ring to secure the bases during transport, thereby reducing waste and weight while providing effective protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chair bases are shipped in individual cardboard boxes, then the bases are protected from damage during transport, but the shipping process generates unnecessary waste, adds extra weight, and creates unused space
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple chair bases are combined into a single stack using a shared cardboard box. The box contains a hub assembly that secures multiple bases vertically, allowing 5-10 bases to be transported together in one box instead of individual boxes for each base.
Solution Approach 2:
Chair bases are nested vertically within a single box by stacking them on top of each other and securing them to a central hub. The bases are positioned one above another, with their arms extending outward in alternating patterns, creating a compact nested arrangement that fits within the box dimensions.
2Reliability
If chair bases are shipped in individual cardboard boxes, then the bases are protected from damage during transport, but the shipping cost and weight increase due to the boxes
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple chair bases are combined into a single stack using a shared cardboard box. The box contains a hub assembly that secures multiple bases vertically, allowing 5-10 bases to be transported together in one box instead of individual boxes for each base.
3Device complexity
If chair bases are stacked without a stacking ring, then the shipping process is simpler, but the bases are not adequately protected from lateral movement and rotation during transport
Solution Approach 1:
A stacking ring acts as an intermediary component between adjacent chair bases. The ring fits over the arms of one base and under the arms of the base above it, preventing lateral movement and rotation. The ring is held in place by the hub assembly, providing mechanical interlocking without complex fastening mechanisms.
4Stability of the object's composition
If chair bases are stacked with arms aligned, then the bases can be wrapped together with plastic to form a cohesive unit, but the stacking configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Adjacent chair bases in the stack are rotated 180 degrees relative to each other, creating an alternating arm pattern. This asymmetric arrangement allows the arms of adjacent bases to interlock with the stacking ring, providing mechanical stability. The hub assembly is designed to accommodate this alternating pattern, with arms extending in opposite directions on adjacent levels.
Data Source
AI summary
A stacking ring for a chair base may be disposable between a first and second chair base such that the stacking ring generally prevents lateral movement of the first chair base relative to the second chair base. The stacking ring may be integrally formed to the chair base, or separate and disposable between at least two chair bases. The stacking ring may substantially prevent rotation of a first chair base relative to a second chair base.