Bi-directional Container Stacking via Asymmetric Ribs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container assemblies have limited bi-directional stacking capabilities and are prone to damage due to sharp edges, with stacking patterns often being uni-directional and lacking resistance to wear and impact.

Innovation Solution

A container assembly with opposing sides featuring unique stacking profiles, including wavy ribs and rounded protrusions, enabling bi-directional stacking and increased resistance to wear and damage, with integrated wheels and a secure locking mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If similar stacking patterns are used on opposing sides of the container, then manufacturing is simplified, but bi-directional stacking capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestacking pattern consistencyVSAvoidbi-directional stacking capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by defining different stacking patterns on opposing sides of the container. The first stacking pattern on the first opposing side includes first protrusions and first recesses, while the second stacking pattern on the second opposing side includes second protrusions and second recesses with different geometries. This asymmetric design enables bi-directional stacking capability, allowing containers to be stacked in multiple orientations while maintaining structural integrity and interlocking engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Strength

If sharp edges are used in stacking patterns, then structural strength is increased, but resistance to wear and damage decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidresistance to wear and damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies spheroidality by replacing sharp edges with rounded edges on the protrusions and recesses of the stacking patterns. The first protrusions, first recesses, second protrusions, and second recesses all feature rounded edges instead of sharp corners. This curvature design maintains structural strength through proper geometric configuration while significantly increasing resistance to wear and damage during stacking operations and transportation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Device complexity

If uni-directional stacking patterns are used, then pattern complexity is reduced, but stacking flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestacking pattern complexityVSAvoidstacking flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing stacking patterns that serve multiple functions and orientations. The first stacking pattern and second stacking pattern are configured to enable interlocking engagement in multiple directions, allowing the container to be stacked vertically, horizontally, and in inverted positions. This multi-functional design provides stacking flexibility and adaptability without excessive complexity, as the patterns follow consistent geometric principles that can be manufactured efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2682347B1Container assembly
Publication Date: 2015.07.22 HARDIGG IND INC
  • EP2682347B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2682347B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2682347B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A container assembly for the storage and transport of goods, the assembly including a first portion having an interior with a substantially flat interior bottom surface. The assembly further includes a second portion pivotally connected to the first portion. The first portion has an outer surface that includes a first stacking pattern and the second portion has an outer surface that includes a second stacking pattern which is different from the first stacking pattern and configured to engage the first stacking pattern enabling the container assembly to be bi-directionally stacked on another of the container assemblies.