Collapsible Crate Front Wall for Selective Egg Carton Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metal crates used for transporting egg cartons are expensive, prone to damage, susceptible to rust, and not recyclable, requiring labor for handling and unloading, and are not easily repairable.
Innovation Solution
A crate design featuring a base with hingably connected side and rear walls, and a front wall with a slidable upper section that can be retracted for access, allowing for easy loading and unloading of egg cartons, and subsequent reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If metal crates are used for transporting egg cartons, then the crates provide durable containment, but they require labor for unloading and are expensive to replace when damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The front wall is divided into an upper section and a lower section that can be independently manipulated. The upper section can be opened while the lower section remains closed, allowing selective access to egg cartons without unloading the entire crate. This segmentation enables store workers to access only the needed portion of the crate contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The front wall upper section is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between closed and open positions. This dynamic design enables the wall to adapt between two states: closed for secure transport and open for selective access at the store, eliminating the need to unload and reload the entire crate.
2Reliability
If metal crates are used for transporting egg cartons, then the crates provide secure containment, but they are expensive, prone to damage, and not recyclable
Solution Approach 1:
The crate is constructed from multiple materials including plastic for the base and walls, metal rails for structural reinforcement, and latches for securing. This composite construction provides the necessary strength and durability for secure containment while allowing different components to be optimized for their specific functions and potentially recycled through separate streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for selective replacement and recovery of individual components. If a latch or rail becomes damaged, only that specific part needs to be replaced rather than the entire crate. The modular construction facilitates easier repair and potential recycling of individual components.
3Ease of operation
If the entire crate must be unloaded for customer access, then all egg cartons are accessible, but labor costs increase and handling time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The front wall is divided into an upper section and a lower section that can be independently manipulated. The upper section can be opened while the lower section remains closed, allowing selective access to egg cartons without unloading the entire crate. This segmentation enables store workers to access only the needed portion of the crate contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The front wall upper section is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between closed and open positions. This dynamic design enables the wall to adapt between two states: closed for secure transport and open for selective access at the store, eliminating the need to unload and reload the entire crate.
Data Source
AI summary
A crate or container, such as for transporting egg cartons or other items includes a base, opposed side walls and a rear wall extending upward from the base. A front wall opposite the rear wall includes an upper section and a lower section having a pair of rails extending upward therefrom. The upper section is selectably slidable on the rails between an upper, closed position and a lower, retracted, open position. In the retracted position, access to the interior of the crate is provided through the front of the crate.