Adjustable Wrap-Around Container Modules for Variable Post Dimensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional containers have fixed dimensions, making it difficult to accommodate objects of varying shapes and sizes, such as posts, which often require multiple fixed containers or custom constructions.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable wrap-around container system comprising connectable modules with sliding tabs and slots, allowing for variable dimensions and shapes by adjusting the angle and position of the modules, enabling the container to surround objects of different cross-sections and retain materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed dimension containers are used, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different object shapes and sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple modular segments that can be independently manufactured and then connected together. Each module has standardized connection interfaces (tabs and slots) that allow them to be assembled in various configurations around different shaped objects, providing adaptability without requiring complex custom manufacturing for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure incorporates movable and adjustable elements, specifically the ability to slide modules along connection interfaces and adjust the angle between segments. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same standardized modules to adapt to different object dimensions and shapes, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed containers are used to surround a post, then each container has simple structure, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate container functions are merged into a single integrated wrap-around container system. Instead of using multiple independent fixed containers positioned around a post, the modular segments connect together to form a unified continuous structure that surrounds the post, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining adaptability to different post dimensions.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom construction is used, then perfect fit to specific object is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular container system is designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized segment geometries that can be used across multiple applications and object types. The same basic module design can be assembled in different configurations to fit various object dimensions, eliminating the need for custom construction while maintaining precise fit through adjustable connections.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable wrap-around container system is provided comprising a plurality of connectable modules. Each module includes an outer perimeter wall and an inner perimeter wall defining an outer volume therebetween, the inner perimeter wall surrounding an inner volume that may contain, for example, a post. The inner and outer perimeter walls may both include two segments, joined at an angle, such as 90°, at their inner edges. A module connects to an adjacent module by sliding a tab on the module into a slot in the adjacent module. By adjusting how far each module slides into the adjacent module, the dimensions of the inner volume may be varied. The assembled container can retain solids, such as soil for plants, liquids, or other materials.