Tipping Indicator Ink Bag Rupture Visual Confirmation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing impact sensor-equipped cushioning for packaging is heavy, complex to manufacture, and costly due to the need for a supersaturated solution that requires heating and extensive sealing, making it difficult to determine if a packaged electronic device has been damaged during transportation or storage.

Innovation Solution

A tipping indicator comprising an ink bag, an ink absorber, and an outer bag is fixed to the packaging box, where the ink bag ruptures upon tipping, allowing the ink absorber to change color, providing visual confirmation of the event, even after the box is returned to its original state, thus simplifying the configuration and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If impact sensor-equipped cushioning with supersaturated solution is used, then visual confirmation of impact is achieved, but cushioning weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual confirmation of impactVSAvoidcushioning weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tipping indicator is segmented into three separate components: an ink bag containing ink, an ink absorber, and an outer bag. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces the overall weight compared to saturating entire cushioning with solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful heavy supersaturated solution is extracted from the cushioning material itself and concentrated into a small ink bag. This extraction removes the weight burden from the cushioning while retaining the visual indication function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If supersaturated solution is prepared during manufacturing, then impact detection capability is achieved, but manufacturing process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact detection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is segmented into simple steps: filling an ink bag with ink, placing an ink absorber inside an outer bag, sealing the outer bag, and attaching the indicator to the packaging. This avoids the complex heating, dissolving, and saturation processes required for supersaturated solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ink bag is designed as a simple disposable component that requires no complex preparation. The ink is simply filled and sealed, eliminating the need for expensive and complex supersaturated solution preparation infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If supersaturated solution is used throughout all regions of cushioning, then impact detection is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact detectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of distributing expensive supersaturated solution throughout all cushioning regions, the ink is concentrated locally in a small ink bag at a specific location on the packaging. This local concentration achieves the same detection function at lower cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The ink bag uses inexpensive materials and simple construction compared to supersaturated solution systems. The ink itself is a low-cost substance that can be easily contained and disposed of after use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If packing box tips during transportation, then impact occurs, but damage to manufactured article is not confirmed until packing box is opened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact transmissionVSAvoiddamage confirmation timing

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The ink absorber changes color when it absorbs ink from the ruptured ink bag, providing immediate visual information about impact. This color change allows damage confirmation without opening the packaging box, preventing the loss of information about impact occurrence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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 tipping indicator effectively detects and visually confirms if a packaging box has tipped during transportation or storage, enabling easy determination of damage occurrence during distribution or storage, while reducing weight and manufacturing complexity compared to existing solutions.

Implementation Method 1

The ink absorber changes color upon absorbing the ink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS9952069B2Tipping indicator and packing box including the same

Publication Date: 2018.04.24 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A tipping indicator (10) for fixing to a side surface of a packing box (1) includes an ink bag (11), an ink absorber (12), and an outer bag (13). The ink bag (11) includes an ink chamber (11a) internally filled with an ink (G). The ink absorber (12) is ink absorptive and has a different color from the ink (G). The outer bag (13) is formed from a film within which the ink bag (11) and the ink absorber (12) are enclosed. At least part of the outer bag (13) has a visual confirmation region (R3) in which the ink absorber (12) is visible.