Configurable Container Assembly with Rotatable Lid and Dual Slot Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current travel containers lack the ability to store and easily attach accessories both internally and externally, limiting their configurability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A configurable container assembly with rotatable components and dual sets of slots on the container body allows for accessories to be securely stored inside and easily attached outside, using protrusions and slots for versatile attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If accessories are stored inside the container during transport, then space utilization is improved, but accessibility and ease of attachment are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple walls (front, back, left, right) with separate slot systems on the interior and exterior surfaces. This segmentation allows accessories to be stored in different locations and accessed from different sides, resolving the contradiction between space utilization and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a third dimension to accessory attachment by providing slots on both the interior and exterior surfaces of the container walls. This allows accessories to be attached not only inside the container but also on the outside, creating multiple attachment planes and improving accessibility without compromising space utilization.
2Ease of manufacture
If the container structure is simplified for manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but configurability and versatility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The slot system serves multiple functions: it provides attachment points for accessories, defines storage compartments, and enables configurable arrangements. The same basic slot structure is used across different walls and orientations, providing versatility without requiring complex specialized mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The configurability is achieved by varying the position, orientation, and distribution of slots across different walls rather than by changing the fundamental structure. This allows the same manufacturing process to produce containers with different accessory arrangements by simply modifying slot locations, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving high adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple slots are provided on all walls for accessory attachment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The container lid is made rotatable, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the container orientation and access points. This dynamic element provides adaptability without adding permanent complex structures, as the same slots can be accessed from different angles by rotating the lid to different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot attachment mechanism is merged across all walls using a consistent design language and attachment system. Rather than implementing different complex mechanisms for different walls, the same slot-and-accessory interface is used throughout, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable container assembly is described. Embodiments of the configurable container assembly can include a container having a plurality of slots located around a perimeter of a top of the container. The slots can be configured to receive protrusions of one or more accessories. The configurable container assembly can be implemented in a closed configuration and an open configuration.