Assortment Box with Angled Walls and Hook Attachment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing assortment boxes are not flexible enough for easy attachment and secure storage in transport and storage units, often occupying valuable space on workbenches and trolleys, and lack features for improved accessibility and legibility of contents.

Innovation Solution

The assortment box features a hook-shaped holding device for tool-free attachment to a retaining strip, an angled side wall design for improved accessibility and label legibility, and protrusions on the bottom for secure locking in transport units, along with a divider plate system and a simple lid attachment mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the assortment box is placed on a workbench for storage, then it is easily accessible, but it occupies valuable workbench space needed for workpieces

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of assortment boxVSAvoidWorkbench space occupied
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The assortment box is equipped with a hook-shaped holding device that enables vertical suspension from retaining strips attached to walls or vertical surfaces. This transitions the storage dimension from horizontal (workbench surface) to vertical (wall-mounted suspension), making the workbench surface available for workpieces while keeping the assortment box easily accessible within arm's reach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the assortment box is attached to a retaining strip, then workbench space is freed, but attachment requires additional components and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveWorkbench space availableVSAvoidAttachment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hook-shaped holding device is integrally formed as part of the assortment box structure during injection molding. This self-contained design eliminates the need for separate attachment components, reducing overall system complexity while enabling secure attachment to retaining strips. The holding device serves itself by providing both the attachment function and structural support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If the side wall is vertical for simple manufacturing, then production is easier, but label legibility and accessibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSide wall manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidLabel legibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The side wall features a localized chamfered section with a specific angle (greater than 90° and less than 110°) that creates an inclined surface. This local geometric modification optimizes label legibility by angling the label surface toward the viewer while maintaining vertical side walls for the majority of the structure, thus preserving manufacturing simplicity while improving information visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If the assortment box has a smooth bottom for easy part removal, then parts are easily accessed, but secure locking in transport units is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePart removal easeVSAvoidTransport security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom surface is segmented into two distinct zones: a large smooth central area that facilitates easy part removal and access, and localized protrusions at specific positions that engage with corresponding recesses in transport units for secure locking. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3283260B1Assortment box and arrangement with at least one assortment box and a retaining strip
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 ADOLF WURTH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3283260B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3283260B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3283260B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an assortment box for receiving small parts, having a bottom and four side walls, wherein the assortment box has shape characteristics for anti-slip arrangement in transport and storage units, in particular cases, shelves and workshop trollies. According to the invention, a holding device for the tool-free securing of the assortment box on a retaining strip is provided in the region of at least one outer surface of the side walls.