Collapsible Transport Container With Multi-Level Cup Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transport containers require different sizes for different container volumes, leading to inefficiency and increased costs, as they cannot accommodate containers of varying sizes without causing damage during transport.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible transport container with hinged side walls and internal features such as platform projections and recesses that accommodate containers of different sizes, preventing movement and ensuring secure stacking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different sized transport containers are provided for different sizes of goods, then the containers can accommodate containers of varying sizes, but the cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate containers of different sizesVSAvoidnumber of different container types required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transport container is designed with multiple opening configurations (first openings for smaller containers, second openings for larger containers) and corresponding side wall recesses that enable a single container type to accommodate containers of at least two different sizes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate container types for different goods sizes, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The side walls are segmented into different regions with specific openings and recesses at different heights. The first openings are positioned for receiving smaller containers while the second openings are positioned for larger containers. This segmentation of the container structure into functional zones allows a single container to handle multiple container sizes systematically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If larger containers are used for larger items, then all containers can be transported, but the efficiency and cost-effectiveness decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to transport containers of various sizesVSAvoidtransport efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The container design allows optimal packing of different container sizes without requiring separate transport containers for each size category. By providing both first and second openings with corresponding recesses, the single container type can efficiently accommodate a mix of small and large containers, maximizing space utilization and transport efficiency across different product sizes.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If containers are packed loosely to accommodate different sizes, then various container sizes can be transported, but movement and damage risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to transport containers of different sizesVSAvoiddamage-free transport
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The side walls are designed with localized recesses at specific positions and heights that correspond to the opening configurations. These recesses provide localized support and constraint features that prevent movement of containers of different sizes. The first recesses support smaller containers while the second recesses support larger containers, providing appropriate local constraints for each container size to ensure stable, damage-free transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4461661B1Transport container for receiving containers of goods to be transported with different sizes
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 IFCO SYST GMBH
  • EP4461661B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4461661B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP4461661B1 patent drawingFigure 3C~4A

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a transport container (1) for receiving transport containers (24, 26, 28), in particular conically shaped cups, in at least two different sizes, with a bottom (2) and four side walls (4) which are preferably articulated to the bottom (2).In each side wall (4) at least two openings (6) are provided on a first level with respect to the vertical direction, which are designed and intended to receive an upper edge of a first transport container (26) of a first size, and in each side wall (4) at least two, in particular concavely curved, side wall recesses (8) are provided on the inside of the container on a second level with respect to the vertical direction, which differs from the first level and is in particular further from the bottom (2) than the first level, and are designed and intended to receive an upper edge of a second transport container (28) of a second size, which differs from the first size and is in particular larger than the first size.