Stackable Container Hinge Prevents Flap Tilting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stackable transport and storage containers with removal opening flaps face challenges in folding mechanisms due to thick container walls, which can lead to tilting and increased space requirements when opened, especially when stacking heavy goods.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a double hinge system with toothed elements that roll over each other, preventing tilting during opening and closing, and features reinforced corner areas with hollow chamber profiles for stability, along with an RFID chip for identification, and skid-shaped stacking elements to prevent displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional hinge systems are used with thick container walls, then the container provides sufficient strength for heavy goods, but the removal opening flap tilts during opening and closing
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system is divided into two separate hinge axes instead of a single hinge point. The first hinge axis connects the flap to the container wall, while the second hinge axis guides the folding motion. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each hinge's function, preventing tilting while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
A connecting element acts as an intermediary between the two hinge axes and the flap. This connecting element coordinates the motion between the first and second hinge axes, ensuring that the flap follows a precise folding path that prevents tilting during opening and closing operations.
2Ease of operation
If the removal opening flap is opened fully, then access to goods is improved, but the container occupies significantly more space
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is designed with a dynamic folding mechanism that allows it to be positioned at multiple angles rather than being fixed in a single open or closed position. This enables the flap to be partially opened for quick access while maintaining a compact profile when fully closed, optimizing both accessibility and space efficiency.
3Device complexity
If a simple hinge connection is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the folding mechanism cannot handle thick container walls
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system is divided into two separate hinge axes instead of a single hinge point. The first hinge axis connects the flap to the container wall, while the second hinge axis guides the folding motion. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each hinge's function, preventing tilting while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
A connecting element acts as an intermediary between the two hinge axes and the flap. This connecting element coordinates the motion between the first and second hinge axes, ensuring that the flap follows a precise folding path that prevents tilting during opening and closing operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The stackable transport- and storage container is made of plastic and has an extraction opening, an extraction opening flap (100) and an extraction opening hinge. The extraction opening hinge has hinge axes, gear elements (108,110) and a connecting element (104). The extraction opening flap is connected with a container wall (102) by the connecting element. A Radio-frequency identificationchip is arranged in one of the hollow chamber profiles. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a stackable transport- and storage container system with an upper area and a lower area; and (2) a method for manufacturing a stackable transport- and storage container.