Vacuum-Compressed Corrugated Cardboard Coffin Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wooden coffins are heavy, costly to transport, and environmentally detrimental due to wood sourcing, while existing paper coffins require complex assembly and occupy excessive space, increasing shipping costs.
Innovation Solution
A paper coffin composed of two expanded corrugated cardboard sheets for the main body and lid, with flat-panels placed vertically on the bottom, allowing for easy assembly without glue or tape, and vacuum packaging for space-efficient shipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If wooden coffins are used, then strength and durability are improved, but weight and transport cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from wood to corrugated cardboard, and changes the structural parameter from solid construction to multi-layer stacked assembly with interlocking features. This allows the coffin to maintain sufficient strength while dramatically reducing weight and transport cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction by stacking multiple corrugated cardboard layers with different orientations and adding reinforcement elements. The corrugated structure itself provides composite-like properties, combining flexibility and strength, achieving adequate durability without the weight penalty of solid wood.
2Strength
If paper coffins are made with multi-chip stacked assembly, then strength is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the paper coffin into modular components (side walls, end walls, base, lid) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each component is a separate chip or panel with standardized connection features, making the assembly process systematic and manageable while maintaining structural strength through the multi-chip construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates self-aligning and self-locking features in the design, such as interlocking edges and insertion slots, that guide the assembly process and ensure proper positioning without requiring external tools or complex procedures. Users can assemble the coffin themselves by simply inserting components into designated locations.
3Ease of operation
If paper coffins are pre-assembled, then assembly ease is improved, but shipping volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the coffin components to be dynamically transformable between a compact flat state for shipping and a three-dimensional assembled state for use. The corrugated cardboard panels are folded or rolled during transport to minimize volume, then expanded and assembled at the destination, providing dynamic adaptability to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nesting by placing smaller components inside larger ones during shipping. The side walls and end walls are inserted within the base or lid panels, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes shipping volume. At assembly time, these nested components are extracted and constructed into the final coffin structure.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If wooden coffins are manufactured, then durability is improved, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a disposable approach using corrugated cardboard, a material designed for limited-use applications. The coffin is constructed from inexpensive, easily replaceable materials that can be disposed of after use without significant environmental impact. This contrasts with traditional wooden coffins that require long-term durability and involve environmentally harmful manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the material parameter from permanent wood to biodegradable corrugated cardboard, and changes the durability parameter from long-term preservation to short-term functionality. This parameter shift aligns the coffin's service life with the specific funeral ritual needs while eliminating the environmental harms associated with wood harvesting and processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A paper coffin is an architecture made of corrugated cardboards, including a main body, a lid and two flat-panels. The structure of main body and lid are both identical, formed by folding a large cardboard and placing with two each long and short paperboards. Without the use of a nail or screw, a paper coffin can be erected. Moreover, laying two flat-panels of different direction honeycomb arrangement inside the main body increases the capability of the main body to carry. Because when shipped from the factory, the paper coffin is in a flattened condition and vacuum packaging, it can save a lots stocking space. The users do not need to use any glue or tape to assemble, so the assembly is not only simple, fast, and also has a cost-saving and environmental protection concept.