Bee Shipping Container With 360° Venting and Self-Locking Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing queen bee shipping containers face issues with inadequate ventilation, assembly complexity, structural integrity, and the need for additional plastic trays, leading to high mortality rates and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking, fold-and-tab system with 360° screened openings and a rubber band system for securing bee cages, eliminating the need for glue or tape and separate plastic trays, while accommodating both wooden and JZBZ queen cages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional assembly methods with adhesives or staples are used, then structural integrity is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into modular components (outer box, inner tray, lid) that can be assembled through simple interlocking mechanisms. The tray features segmented walls with tabs and slots that engage to form a complete structure without requiring adhesives or staples, thus maintaining structural integrity while simplifying assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The container employs self-assembling features where tabs on one component automatically engage with slots on another component. The tray walls have integrated tabs that fit into corresponding slots on the outer box and lid, allowing the structure to assemble itself through simple insertion movements without requiring external fastening materials or complex tools.
2Strength
If ventilation points are limited in number, then structural integrity is maintained, but airflow and temperature regulation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates screened ventilation openings distributed across the outer box and lid. These screens provide numerous small aperture openings that allow airflow while maintaining structural integrity. The screened design enables temperature regulation through convection and evaporation while preserving the strength of the container walls.
Solution Approach 2:
Ventilation is provided at multiple localized positions throughout the container structure rather than relying on a single large opening. The screens are strategically placed on the outer box and lid at positions that optimize airflow patterns, creating local ventilation zones that collectively provide comprehensive temperature regulation while maintaining overall structural strength.
3Stability of the object's composition
If cage securing methods use tape or adhesives, then cage stability is improved, but airflow and ease of assembly deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container provides self-service cage securing through integrated rubber band mechanisms. The tray includes notches or grooves that guide rubber bands to securely hold queen cages in place. This eliminates the need for tape or adhesives, maintaining cage stability through elastic tension while preserving airflow and simplifying assembly to a simple snap-in motion.
4Quantity of substance
If additional plastic trays are used, then cage holding capacity is improved, but cost and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of the outer box, inner tray, and cage-holding structure into a single integrated container design. The tray itself provides the cage-holding capacity through its molded structure with appropriate dimensions and features, eliminating the need for separate plastic trays. This consolidation maintains full cage holding capacity while reducing material usage and waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed as a universal solution that can hold different types of queen cages (wooden cages, JZB cages) using the same basic structure. The tray's dimensions and features are optimized to accommodate various cage types without requiring additional specialized trays or accessories, thereby maintaining versatility while minimizing material waste.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides intuitive assembly, enhanced airflow for temperature regulation, improved structural integrity, and reduced escape risk, lowering mortality rates and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a rubber band system to secure cages without blocking airflow
Implementation Method 2
360° screened openings for temperature regulation; full-perimeter 360° screened ventilation; enhanced airflow for temperature regulation
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a container for the shipment of bees, the container preferably being in the shape of a hexagonal prism and having three main sections, an insert, an outer sleeve, and two lids. Each section is preferably constructed of a flat die-cut cardboard that is folded to its final shape. The insert section includes a tray on each side, with each tray configurable to securely hold queen bee cages of differing shapes.