| The objective of this study was to measure and analyze the dynamic events that "smalls" experience when they are shipped with larger and heavier packages. "Smalls" are defined as any packaged product whose volume is less than 13,000 cm3 (800 in3), whose longest dimension is 350 mm (14 in), and whose weight is 4.5 kg (10 lb) or less. To measure this environment, tri-axial recorders (SENSR(TM) GP1) were placed in three different packages: the Rigi BagRTM Mailer; the Bubble Mailer, and an E-flute corrugated box with Ethafoam cushions. The packages were shipped in the United States using FedEx Express priority overnight. The results showed that the packages experienced a total of 27 combined drops, throws, and tosses. The largest near zero G travel distance was 197.08 inches. Both the Rigi and Bubble Mailer experienced similar maximum drop heights of 48 inches whereas the box experienced 39 inches. There were no significant differences in the maximum G for all three package types. A lab test protocol was developed to simulate priority overnight service. A 60 inch drop height is recommended for the 99 percent occurrence level and 24 inches for the 95 percent occurrence level. A total of 17 drops, 8 on various faces, 5 on edges, and 4 on corner is also recommended. |
