Collapsible Box Oscillating Shelf Stacking Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stacking of parallelepiped boxes with different dimensions is hindered by the uncontrollable falling of smaller boxes into larger ones due to the lack of effective support mechanisms in existing collapsible wall designs.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of oscillating shelves hinged at the top of transversal walls with a parallel series of arms, which automatically change position from a horizontal projecting position to being engaged against the internal side of the longitudinal walls, providing stable support for smaller boxes and facilitating easy stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If collapsible walls are provided in boxes to optimise space, then space utilisation is improved, but smaller boxes uncontrollably fall into larger boxes preventing ordered stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is designed to dynamically change position between two states: projecting horizontally from the transversal wall to support smaller boxes during stacking, and rotating vertically to engage against the longitudinal wall during collapse. This dynamic adaptability allows the same structure to serve both stacking stability and space optimisation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf automatically changes position based on the state of the transversal wall without requiring manual intervention. When the wall is vertical, the shelf projects horizontally to provide support; when the wall collapses, the shelf rotates to engage against the longitudinal wall,实现ing self-adjusting behaviour that resolves the contradiction between stacking stability and space utilisation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If shelves are added to support smaller boxes, then stacking stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to manual rotation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf mechanism automatically responds to the movement of the transversal wall without requiring manual operation. The coupling between the shelf rotation and wall movement creates a self-actuating system where the wall's own motion drives the shelf into the correct position, eliminating the need for manual rotation and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf rotation mechanism is merged with the wall collapse mechanism through the coupling at the top edge of the transversal wall. This integration means that a single motion (wall collapse) simultaneously achieves two functions: collapsing the wall and rotating the shelf into its storage position, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If shelves are positioned to support smaller boxes, then stacking stability is improved, but the transversal wall cannot make perfect contact with the bottom of the box when collapsed
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is designed to dynamically reposition itself during the collapse process. As the transversal wall rotates toward the bottom, the shelf simultaneously rotates from its horizontal support position to a vertical engagement position against the longitudinal wall, ensuring both support functionality and perfect wall contact are achieved at different stages of the collapse.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf is preliminarily positioned in the horizontal projecting state during the vertical stacking operation to provide support. Before the collapse is completed, the shelf automatically transitions to the vertical engagement position, ensuring that when the wall makes contact with the bottom, the shelf is already in the correct position to avoid interference.
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
Ensures stable vertical stacking of boxes with different dimensions by automatically adjusting shelf positions, preventing accidental falling and enhancing the operational efficiency of collapsible wall systems.
Implementation Method 1
the ends of each oscillating shelf are inserted inside corresponding grooves with curved profile obtained in the internal side of the longitudinal walls of the box. As a matter of fact, while each transversal wall is rotated towards the bottom of the box, the ends of the oscillating shelf are forced to move along the curved grooves obtained in the internal side of the longitudinal walls.
Implementation Method 2
the shelf is spontaneously induced to maintain a horizontal position projecting on the internal side of the wall, exclusively because of its weight (and therefore because of gravity), since the barycentre is off-centred with respect to the horizontal pivoting axis.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
The present patent application relates to a plastic moulded box with parallelepiped structure and rectangular base provided with collapsible walls, designed to stack a corresponding box with lower dimensions, it being provided with two oscillating shelves (5) on the internal side of the transversal walls (2) basically at the height of the opening.