Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present disclosure relates to the field of a packaging system. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an inflatable protection-based container to safeguard items during transportation or storage.

BACKGROUND
[002] Currently, the process of filling void space in grocery totes involves using shredded cartons, which is expensive and labour-intensive. The overall cost, covering manpower and consumables, is high price per tote. However, this approach proves ineffective due to reliance on manual intervention to determine the amount of shredded material placed in each tote. Currently, the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) adherence for this process is only 80%, often attributed to shortages of shredder material and inadequate training.
[003] This inefficiency becomes evident through a high damage rate, despite the use of shredded material in totes. The manual judgment employed by packers in determining the amount of shredder used leaves products insufficiently protected, leading to notable damages. The current rate of Returns to Origins (RTOs) due to damaged shipments stands at 23%. The resulting inventorial loss due to damages is a significant cost per year, with a further loss of a high amount per year attributed to defects not easily detectable (DNE).
[004] Therefore, there is a need to address the drawbacks mentioned above and any other shortcomings, or at the very least, provide a valuable alternative to the existing packing systems.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[005] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide an efficient and a reliable packing system and method that obviates the above-mentioned limitations of existing packing systems and methods efficiently.
[006] An object of the present disclosure relates to an inflatable protection-based container that includes an inflatable protector for protecting items loaded into a void enclosure.
[007] Another object of the present disclosure relates to an inflatable protection-based container that automatically controls an inflation process when back pressure reaches a predefined threshold to avoid any damage due to over inflation.

SUMMARY
[008] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the field of a packing system. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an inflatable protection-based container to safeguard items loaded into the container during transportation or storage.
[009] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to an inflatable protection-based container. The inflatable protection-based container includes a receptacle, one or more closing members attached to the receptacle, where the one or more closing members include an inflatable protector, and a controller connected to the inflatable protector, where the controller is configured to determine that one or more items are loaded into the receptacle and determine that the one or more closing members cover the receptacle. Further, the controller is configured to detect that an expansion of the inflatable protector exceeds a predefined threshold to automatically control the inflatable protector based on the detection.
[010] In an embodiment, the inflatable protector may include a valve to intake a fluid for the expansion.
[011] In an embodiment, the valve may protrude from a portion of the one or more closing members.
[012] In an embodiment, the valve may be configured to intake the fluid in one direction and prevent the fluid from flowing in a reverse direction.
[013] In an embodiment, the controller may be configured to detect that the inflatable protector intakes the fluid for the expansion and determine that a movement of the one or more items is restricted by the inflatable protector based for detecting that the inflatable protector encounters back pressure through contact with the one or more items based on the determination.
[014] In an embodiment, the controller may be configured to transmit a control signal to a compressor associated with the inflatable protector to cut off the back pressure.
[015] In an embodiment, the compressor may be configured to restrict the intake of the fluid to cut off the back pressure based on the control signal received from the controller.
[016] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for automatically controlling an inflatable protection-based container. The method includes determining, by a controller associated with the inflatable protection-based container, that one or more items are loaded into a receptacle associated with the inflatable protection-based container, and determining, by the controller, that one or more closing members associated with the inflatable protection-based container cover the receptacle. Further, the method includes detecting, by the controller, that an expansion of an inflatable protector associated with the inflatable protection-based container exceeds a predefined threshold for automatically controlling, by the controller, the inflatable protector based on the detection.
[017] In an embodiment, for detecting, by the controller, that the expansion of the inflatable protector exceeds the predefined threshold, the method may include detecting, by the controller, that the inflatable protector intakes a fluid for the expansion, and determining, by the controller, that a movement of the one or more items is restricted by the inflatable protector for detecting, by the controller, that the inflatable protector encounters back pressure through contact with the one or more items based on the determination.
[018] In an embodiment, for automatically controlling, by the controller, the inflatable protector based on the detection, the method may include transmitting, by the controller, a control signal to a compressor associated with the inflatable protector to cut off the back pressure based on the detection.
[019] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[020] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[021] FIG. 1A illustrates an example representation of an inflatable protection-based container, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[022] FIG. 1B illustrates an example representation of expansion of an inflatable protector, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[023] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of an example method for automatically controlling an inflatable protection-based container, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[024] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosures as defined by the appended claims.
[025] Embodiments explained herein relate to a packing system. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an inflatable protection-based container to safeguard items during transportation or storage. Various embodiments with respect to the present disclosure will be explained in detail with reference to FIGs. 1A, 1B, and 2.
[026] FIG. 1A illustrates an example representation of an inflatable protection-based container 100, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[027] Referring to FIG. 1A, the inflatable protection-based container 100 may include a receptacle 102, a valve 104, one or more closing members 106, an inflatable protector 108, a controller (not shown in figures), and sensors (not shown in figures). The closing members 106 may be attached to the receptacle 102, where the closing members 106 may include the inflatable protector 108. The inflatable protector 108 may include the valve 104, and a compressor (not shown in figures), where the valve 104 may be used for receiving a fluid for expanding the inflatable protector 108. Further, the valve 104 may be configured to receive the fluid in one direction and prevent the fluid from flowing in a reverse direction. The controller may be connected to the inflatable protector 108, where the controller may be configured to determine that items 110A-E (shown in FIG. 1B) are loaded into the receptacle 102. Once the items 110A-E are loaded into the receptacle 102, the inflatable protector 108 may receive the fluid via the valve 104.
[028] During the reception of the fluid, the controller may detect, via the sensors, whether an expansion of the inflatable protector 108 reaches a predefined threshold. In an embodiment, the sensors may be, but not limited to, pressure sensors, hall-effect sensors, force sensors, load sensors, and the like. The predefined threshold may represent whether the inflatable protector 108 pushes the items 110A-E inside the receptacle 102. For example, the inflatable protector 108 may expand when receiving the fluid. At a certain stage of the expansion, the inflatable protector 108 may experience back pressure once the inflatable protector 108 inflates enough to come in contact with the items 110A-E. The back pressure may be the force created by the expanding fluid in the inflatable protector 108 which pushes the items 110A-E inside the receptacle 102. Once the controller detects that the expansion of the inflatable protector 108 reaches the predefined threshold, the controller may determine that the inflatable protector 108 may face the back pressure. Further, the controller may transmit a control signal to the compressor to cut-off the back pressure experienced by the inflatable protector 108. The compressor may restrict the fluid intake based on the control signal received from the controller. In an embodiment, the inflatable protector 108 may be, but not limited to, an airbag and/or any other inflatable cushion.
[029] In exemplary embodiments, the airbag that is the inflatable protector 108 may be made of, but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon, and the like. The inflatable protector 108 may be part of a tote that is the inflatable protection-based container 100. The airbag 108 may be affixed on an inner side of one closing member 106 of the tote 100. An operator may first fill the tote 100 with the items 110A-E and close the tote 100 with cable ties (not shown in figures). Once the tote 100 is closed, the operator may inflate the airbag 108 through a non-return valve 104 protruding from a side of the tote 100. Based on the expansion of the airbag 108, the airbag 108 may touch the items 110A-E and naturally push back, preventing the items 110A-E from moving. The inflation process may stop automatically when the back pressure reaches the predefined threshold to avoid any damage due to over-inflating the airbag 108. To prevent over inflation and protect the items 110A-E from damage, the compressor may automatically cut off the intake of the fluid when back pressure is detected. This airbag 108 may keep the items 110A-E safe by preventing the items 110A-E from moving around inside the tote 100 during transportation, thus, preventing damage during transit.
[030] In some embodiments, the present disclosure may address specific issues, including high running costs and damages during transportation. The running cost per tote may be expected to decrease significantly from the current cost. The damages may be reduced, as the new process may ensure that there are no void spaces in the tote 100, and all the items 110A-E are secured inside. This may prevent the items 110A-E from hitting side walls of the tote 100 or each other during transportation. The uniform pressure exerted by the airbag 108 may also ensure that any external impact force on the tote 100 is uniformly distributed, thereby reducing damage to the items 110A-E.
[031] FIG. 1B illustrates an example representation of expansion of an inflatable protector 108, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[032] In some embodiments, cut off of back pressure may be set such that movement of items 110A-E may be restricted and the items 110A-E may not be damaged due to over inflation. Thus, an inflatable protector 108 may be used for any number of items 110A-E in a tote i.e., an inflatable protection-based container 100, and may ensure restriction of the movement of the items 110A-E inside the tote 100, thus preventing damage. Referring to FIG. 1B, the inflatable protector 108 may be expanded based on receiving fluid via a valve 104 to restrict the movement of the items 110A-E. Once the inflatable protector 108 encounters the back pressure, a compressor may cut off the back pressure.
[033] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of an example method 200 for automatically controlling an inflatable protection-based container 100, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[034] Referring to FIG. 2, at block 202, the method 200 may include determining that one or more items 110A-E are loaded into a receptacle 102 associated with the inflatable protection-based container 100. At block 204, the method 200 may include determining that one or more closing members 106 associated with the inflatable protection-based container 100 cover the receptacle 102. At block 206, the method 200 may include detecting that an expansion of an inflatable protector 108 associated with the inflatable protection-based container 100 exceeds a predefined threshold. Further, the method 200 may include detecting that the inflatable protector 108 intakes a fluid for the expansion and determining that a movement of the one or more items 110A-E is restricted by the inflatable protector 108 based on the detection. Further, the method 200 may include detecting that the inflatable protector 108 encounters back pressure through contact with the one or more items 110A-E based on the determination. At block 208, the method 200 may include automatically controlling the inflatable protector 108 based on the detection. Further, the method 200 may include transmitting, by the controller, a control signal to a compressor associated with the inflatable protector 108 to cut off the back pressure based on the detection.
[035] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[036] The present disclosure relates to an inflatable protection-based container that reduces the expenses incurred in providing protection for a tote, resulting in a more cost-effective method for safeguarding items during transportation or storage.
[037] The present disclosure relates to an inflatable protection-based container that contributes to a significant reduction in damages by implementing a new process that guarantees elimination of void spaces within the tote.
[038] The present disclosure relates to an inflatable protection-based container that distributes a force uniformly in an event of any external impact force applied to the tote.
[039] The present disclosure provides that items remain protected from impacting side walls of the tote or colliding with each other during transportation.
, Claims:1. An inflatable protection-based container (100), comprising:
a receptacle (102);
one or more closing members (106) attached to the receptacle (102), wherein the one or more closing members (106) comprise an inflatable protector (108);
a controller connected to the inflatable protector (108), wherein the controller is configured to:
determine that one or more items (110A-N) are loaded into the receptacle (102);
determine that the one or more closing members (106) cover the receptacle (102);
detect that an expansion of the inflatable protector (108) exceeds a predefined threshold; and
automatically control the inflatable protector (108) based on the detection.

2. The inflatable protection-based container (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inflatable protector (108) comprises a valve (104) to intake a fluid for the expansion.

3. The inflatable protection-based container (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the valve (104) protrudes from a portion of the one or more closing members (106).

4. The inflatable protection-based container (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the valve (104) is configured to intake the fluid in one direction and prevent the fluid from flowing in a reverse direction.

5. The inflatable protection-based container (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to:
detect that the inflatable protector (108) intakes a fluid for the expansion;
determine that a movement of the one or more items (110A-N) is restricted by the inflatable protector (108) based on the detection; and
detect that the inflatable protector (108) encounters back pressure through contact with the one or more items (110A-N) based on the determination.

6. The inflatable protection-based container (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to send a control signal to a compressor associated with the inflatable protector (108) to cut off the back pressure.

7. The inflatable protection-based container (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the compressor is configured to restrict the intake of the fluid to cut off the back pressure based on the control signal received from the controller.

8. A method (200) for automatically controlling an inflatable protection-based container (100), comprising:
determining (202), by a controller associated with the inflatable protection-based container (100), that one or more items (110A-N) are loaded into a receptacle (102) associated with the inflatable protection-based container (100);
determining (204), by the controller, that one or more closing members (106) associated with the inflatable protection-based container (100) cover the receptacle (106);
detecting (206), by the controller, that an expansion of an inflatable protector (108) associated with the inflatable protection-based container (100) exceeds a predefined threshold; and
automatically controlling (208), by the controller, the inflatable protector (108) based on the detection.

9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein detecting (206), by the controller, that the expansion of the inflatable protector (108) exceeds the predefined threshold comprises:
detecting, by the controller, that the inflatable protector (108) intakes a fluid for the expansion;
determining, by the controller, that a movement of the one or more items (110A-N) is restricted by the inflatable protector (108) based on the detection; and
detecting, by the controller, that the inflatable protector (108) encounters back pressure through contact with the one or more items (110A-N) based on the determination.

10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein automatically controlling (208), by the controller, the inflatable protector (108) based on the detection comprises transmitting, by the controller, a control signal to a compressor associated with the inflatable protector (108) to cut off the back pressure based on the detection.