Collapsible Crate With Pivotable Front Wall For Egg Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metal crates used for transporting egg cartons are expensive, prone to damage, rust, and not recyclable, requiring labor for handling and unloading, and are not easily repairable.
Innovation Solution
A crate design with a pivotable front wall that can be retracted for access, allowing for easy unloading and reloading of egg cartons, and can be collapsed for efficient storage and reuse, featuring a contoured edge for improved access and a sliding door option for enhanced protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal crates are used for transporting egg cartons, then the crates provide structural strength and durability, but they are expensive, prone to rust, not recyclable, and require labor for handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic, transforming the crate from non-recyclable and rust-prone to recyclable and rust-resistant, while maintaining structural strength through appropriate plastic selection and design
Solution Approach 2:
The crate is constructed from plastic material that combines durability with recyclability, creating a composite solution that eliminates the harmful properties of metal (rust, non-recyclability) while retaining structural strength
2Strength
If metal crates are used for transporting egg cartons, then the crates provide structural strength, but they require labor for unloading and handling in stores
Solution Approach 1:
The front wall is designed with a pivotable upper section that can rotate between a closed transport position and an open access position, transforming the static metal crate into a dynamic plastic crate that enables easy customer access while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The front wall is segmented into a fixed lower section and a pivotable upper section, allowing the upper portion to be opened independently for customer access while the lower portion maintains structural support
3Ease of operation
If the front wall is made fully open for customer access, then ease of access is improved, but structural strength and protection of egg cartons deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The front wall is divided into a fixed lower section that maintains structural strength and protection, and a pivotable upper section that provides customer access when opened, resolving the contradiction between access and protection
Solution Approach 2:
The upper section of the front wall is made dynamic and pivotable, allowing it to transition between closed (protective) and open (accessible) states, while the lower section remains static and structurally supportive
4Ease of operation
If empty crates are stored in expanded position, then ease of reloading is improved, but storage volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls are designed to be collapsible, allowing the crate to transition between an expanded ready-to-use position and a collapsed storage position, reducing storage volume while maintaining ease of reloading when expanded
5Ease of operation
If the upper section of the front wall is pivotable for access, then ease of unloading is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A simple hinge mechanism is incorporated to enable the upper front wall section to pivot between closed and open positions, providing ease of unloading with minimal added complexity through the use of a straightforward mechanical joint
Data Source
AI summary
A crate, 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 is selectably moveable between a closed position and a retracted, open position. In the retracted position, access to the interior of the crate is provided. The front wall includes an upper section pivotable relative to a lower section. At least one of the adjacent edges of the upper section and the lower section is contoured away from the other when the upper section is in the closed position. The contoured edge provides improved access to the interior of the container when the upper section is in the retracted position.