Collapsible Fruit Transport Device with Nested Segmented Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for transporting fruits like watermelons and other spherical products are cumbersome and inefficient, often requiring bulky equipment that occupies space and is not easily disposable.

Innovation Solution

A plastic device with a basket-type structure that closely matches the outer surface of fruits, featuring concentric sections and handle structures with hooking means like tongues and grooves, allowing for secure and compact transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional bags or handles are used for transporting watermelons and similar spherical fruits, then the fruits can be transported, but the equipment occupies bulky space and is not easily disposable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupied by transport deviceVSAvoidease of transport

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple collapsible sections that can be folded into a compact form when not in use, yet expand to provide sufficient volume for holding watermelons and similar fruits during transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a collapsed compact state for storage to an expanded functional state for transport, allowing it to adapt its volume dynamically based on operational needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If reusable transport devices are used, then they can be durable, but they are expensive and not easily distributable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost of deviceVSAvoiddurability of device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed as a low-cost, disposable product that can be easily manufactured and distributed, eliminating the need for expensive reusable equipment while maintaining adequate functionality for its intended use cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If bulky equipment is used for transporting heavy spherical fruits, then the fruits can be securely transported, but the equipment is cumbersome and space-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort of transportVSAvoidspace occupied by device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device features a nested structure with multiple collapsible sections that can be folded into each other, creating a compact form factor when not in use while providing adequate volume and support when deployed for transporting heavy spherical fruits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2703311B1Device for the individual transport of fruit

Publication Date: 2018.03.07 EJIDO CARTON

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AI summary

The invention includes an integral part which comprises a central base (13) which is the starting point for a series of concentric sections (4) all of which are arranged in a single circumferential direction, and end in short end portions (6-6') which connect to two handle structures (7) which comprise a hooking means in order to stabilise the position for use of the integral part in which is defined a shell space which houses the fruit, such as a watermelon (1), the surface of which closely matches the various elements of the integral part. Thus, in the operative position for use, the device according to the invention has a basket-type structure which closely matches the outer surface of the fruit.