Design the complete protective system.
Move from object documentation and handling risk through container construction, cushioning, restraint, SHOCK PATH analysis, packing instructions, and physical validation. CRATE treats protection as a connected load path rather than a box with foam.
Project workflow
Design basis
Priority actions
1. Object
Document what must be protected, how it can be supported, and which regions must never carry load.
2. Risk
Assess hazards individually. CRATE identifies dominant and unresolved risks without collapsing them into one misleading score.
Risk register
| Risk | Likelihood | Severity | Exposure | Detectability | Mitigation | Concern |
|---|
Dominant risks
Assumptions and required controls
3. Environment
Define how the package will be handled, transported, stored, and opened.
Handling profile
Handling exposures
Environmental range
4. Container
Build parametric corrugated, crate, reusable-case, and nested protective systems with explicit layer and fabrication allowances.
5. Cushioning
Design layered inserts, place supports and reliefs, and screen cushion performance against editable material curves.
6. Restraint
Model support reactions, directional fragility, free movement, strap geometry, sliding, rotation, removal force, and lid-off stability.
Movement and direction limits
Support and restraint screening
Support layout
Reaction distribution is a transparent static screening model, not a rigid-body solver.
| ID | X % | Y % | Area | Stiffness | Fragile? |
|---|
Strap and tie-down model
Angles are measured above the package plane. Ratings and preload remain user-entered.
| ID | Angle ° | Rated N | Preload N | X % | Y % |
|---|
Removal and service provisions
7. SHOCK PATH 2.0
Screen three-axis object response, inspect parallel load routes, identify relative weak links, and compare saved package branches. Results remain preliminary until physically validated.
Event explanation
Three-axis screening results
Current vs predefined preview
Directional response and fragility utilization
v2.0 analysis boundary
v2.2 editable load-path network
Relative stiffness, capacity, confidence, parallel routes, and weak-link screening. Values are comparison inputs unless traceable data is recorded.
| Element | Role | Rel. stiffness | Rel. capacity | Load | Utilization | Confidence |
|---|
v2.3 scenario comparison laboratory
Save live designs or predefined previews as lightweight branches. Applying a branch preserves locked object and handling bases.
| Scenario | Peak | Critical axis | Mass | Volume | Cost | Weak link | Actions |
|---|
8. Fabrication
Generate parametric corrugated patterns, crate panel schedules, exploded construction views, sheet nesting, and multi-layer package records.
Container dieline / primary panel layout
Insert pattern
Crate exploded assembly
Sheet nesting and offcuts
Package layer section
Panel and part schedule
| Part | Qty | Cut size | Material | Notes |
|---|
Line convention
Material utilization
Fabrication notes
9. Packing
Generate a numbered packing and unpacking traveler with tools, parts, inspections, warnings, and sign-off.
Packing sequence
Handling labels
Package face placement
10. Validation
Configure physical tests, record orientations and measured acceleration, and feed evidence back into SHOCK PATH.
11. Export
Create project records, fabrication files, packing travelers, labels, test plans, and bills of material.
Export center
Bill of materials
| # | Description | Material | Qty | Unit | Dimensions | Estimated cost |
|---|