Welding Wire Storage Unit with Corrugated Shock Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage units for welding wire are not eco-friendly due to complex recycling processes and are weak against external impacts and buckling loads, especially when made of paper materials, which also suffer from opening damage during repeated use.
Innovation Solution
A storage unit designed with a combination of strength reinforcement and shock absorption parts using corrugated cardboard, where the outer case features a strength reinforcement part and a shock absorption part, both made from cardboard with specific corrugation patterns, and includes a strap guide system for easy handling and protection against impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the storage unit is made of paper material to enable easy recycling, then recyclability is improved, but strength against external impact and buckling load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite material principles by combining paperboard with corrugated cardboard structures. The outer case uses corrugated cardboard which provides enhanced strength and buckling resistance compared to plain paperboard, while still maintaining recyclability. The composite structure of fluted corrugation between paperboard layers creates a material that balances both recyclability and mechanical strength requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage unit is segmented into distinct functional components: an outer case made of corrugated cardboard for strength and impact resistance, and an inner case made of paperboard for recyclability. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system recyclability, as the inner paperboard case can be easily separated and recycled independently.
2Strength
If reinforcement members such as metal or plastic are attached to the opening to prevent damage during repeated use, then durability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reinforcement function directly into the opening structure itself by forming a strengthening rib that is integrally formed with the outer case. This eliminates the need for separate reinforcement members attached to the opening, as the rib is created as part of the molding process. The strengthening rib extends from the inner surface of the outer case to reinforce the opening area without adding device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The strengthening rib is preliminarily formed as an integral part of the outer case during the molding process, before the opening is cut or assembled. This preliminary formation of the reinforcement structure prevents damage during repeated use without requiring additional assembly steps or complex attachment mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a strap guide is added to facilitate easy carrying and moving, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strap guide is merged with the opening structure by forming it as an integral part of the outer case. The guide structure utilizes the same molded features (such as the strengthening rib and opening geometry) to provide both structural reinforcement and strap guidance functionality. This integration eliminates the need for separate strap guide components, thereby improving ease of carrying without significantly increasing device complexity.
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 storage unit effectively resists external impacts and buckling loads, maintains the integrity of the welding wire, and facilitates easy recycling by eliminating the need for additional material reinforcements, thus enhancing durability and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a shock absorption part formed at an inner side of the strength reinforcement part to absorb a shock from the outside
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a storage unit for welding wire including an outer case in which an outer bottom supporting part is formed in a lower end thereof and a wire accommodation part configured to store a wound welding wire is formed therein, a bottom part seated on and coupled to the outer bottom supporting part, and an inner case configured to come into close contact with an inner surface of the outer case and having an inner bottom supporting part seated on the bottom part, formed in a lower portion thereof, wherein the outer case includes a strength reinforcement part and a shock absorption part formed at an inner side of the strength reinforcement part to absorb a shock from the outside.