Bulk Bin Sidewall Interlock and Ramp Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Plastic bulk bin containers face structural damage from compressive forces during stacking, particularly when filled, due to inadequate support mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The bulk bin container incorporates a horizontal top plate in wrap-around sidewall portions with ramp surfaces for lifting and locking the sidewalls upright, and a post and pocket interlock design to enhance corner support and resist buckling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional sidewall designs without fixed hinge axes are used, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength deteriorates due to buckling under compressive forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple structural features (wrap-around portions with horizontal plates, ribs, post-and-pocket interlocks, and ramp surfaces) into a composite support system that works together to resist compressive forces while maintaining the floating hinge design for ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds horizontal plates extending outward from wrap-around portions and vertical ribs, creating three-dimensional corner support structures that provide strength in multiple directions against compressive forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If stacking capability is improved, then productivity is improved, but structural strength deteriorates due to compressive forces causing buckling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestacking capabilityVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates pre-designed interlocking features (posts, pockets, horizontal plates, and ribs) that are built into the sidewall structure during manufacturing, ready to engage and resist compressive forces when containers are stacked

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite support system combining wrap-around portions, horizontal plates, ribs, and interlocking features that collectively enhance structural strength to withstand stacking loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If wrap-around portions with horizontal plates and ribs are added, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple support functions into integrated corner structures where wrap-around portions, horizontal plates, and ribs are combined into unified assemblies that provide enhanced strength without requiring separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wrap-around portions serve multiple functions: they provide structural strength through horizontal plates and ribs, enable interlocking with adjacent sidewalls via post-and-pocket features, and maintain the floating hinge mechanism for ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2876054B1Bulk bin with panel to panel interlock features

Publication Date: 2017.03.29 ORBIS CORP

AI summary

A collapsible bulk bin container with structures for improved strength is provided. The bulk bin container includes wrap-around portions in the short sidewalls with a horizontal top plate and a horizontal rib proximate the top plate. The bulk bin container also includes ramp structure in the long side sidewall and base for lifting and dropping the sidewall when pivoted upright. The upright sidewall and base include surfaces to inhibit or prevent buckling due to compressive loads. The bin can also include post and pocket interlock structures.