Bottle Crate Double Floor Design for Moisture Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bottle transport containers are not suitable for problem-free return transport of empty six-packs and individual bottles, often leading to damage due to moisture exposure and instability.
Innovation Solution
A bottle crate with a lightweight, robust structure featuring a double floor design, where the upper contact surface is level and closed to prevent damage to cardboard packaging, and includes receiving openings for bottles, allowing for secure transport and stacking of six-packs and individual bottles, with drainage openings to prevent water accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional bottle crate is used for transporting six-packs, then the crate structure is simple, but the cardboard packaging is damaged due to moisture exposure and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The crate floor is segmented into a lower floor and an upper floor with air gaps between them. The upper floor is further segmented into contact areas (closed) and receiving openings (open), creating a multi-level structure that protects cardboard packaging from moisture while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The upper floor acts as an intermediary layer between the six-pack cardboard packaging and the lower floor. This intermediate structure prevents direct contact with moisture sources below while providing stable support, thereby protecting the packaging without requiring complex external protective measures
2Adaptability or versatility
If the crate is designed for six-pack transport only, then the structure is optimized for cartons, but it is not suitable for return transport of individual empty bottles
Solution Approach 1:
The crate is designed with dual functionality: the upper floor with receiving openings accommodates individual bottles for return transport, while the same structure supports six-packs during delivery. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate crates for different transport purposes
Solution Approach 2:
Different areas of the upper floor have different properties: contact areas provide closed support for six-pack stability, while receiving openings provide access for individual bottle insertion during return transport. This local differentiation enables versatile functionality without complicating the overall manufacturing process
3Ease of operation
If the contact area has openings for bottle access, then bottles can be easily retrieved, but the cardboard packaging becomes vulnerable to moisture and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The upper floor is segmented into distinct contact areas (closed) and receiving openings (open). The contact areas maintain closed surfaces to protect packaging from moisture, while receiving openings provide controlled access points for bottle retrieval, balancing protection with operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The design moves the openings to the upper floor level rather than having them penetrate through the entire crate structure. This dimensional placement allows openings to provide access without creating direct pathways for moisture to reach the cardboard packaging below
4Reliability
If the upper floor is completely closed, then packaging protection is maximized, but water accumulates in the crate
Solution Approach 1:
The upper floor incorporates drainage openings that create a porous structure, allowing water to pass through while maintaining overall coverage. This porous design prevents water accumulation without compromising the protective function of the contact areas for cardboard packaging
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The crate (1) has a crate bottom (7) and crate side walls (2-5) arranged in a rotating manner. Bottle retainer compartments are formed at the crate bottom for adjustment of bottles for purpose of return motion. Planar, continuous and closed contact surfaces (8) are provided above and at a spacing to the crate bottom. The contact surfaces are broken through bottle receiving openings (9). The contact surfaces are arranged at a height of 2.5 to 3.5 cm above the crate bottom. The contact surfaces completely surround the bottle receiving openings. An independent claim is also included for a system comprising a bottle crate.