Plastic Container Hook Coupling for Dense Shelf Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plastic containers stored one behind the other on shelves face challenges during loading and unloading, requiring additional devices or deep reaching mechanisms to access containers at the back, which limits storage efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A plastic container design featuring a hook element with a U-shaped cross-sectional profile and stabilizing ribs on one side wall, allowing form-fitting coupling with a complementary receiving element on the opposite side wall, enabling tensile and shear force transmission for easy handling and maintaining a stable assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If plastic containers are stored one behind the other on shelves to maximize storage space, then storage density is improved, but accessibility for loading and unloading deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple plastic containers are merged into a coupled assembly through hook elements that connect containers laterally. This allows the entire assembly to be moved as a single unit, solving the accessibility problem while maintaining high storage density by eliminating gaps between individual containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system transforms static individual containers into a dynamic coupled assembly that can be easily reconfigured. Containers can be quickly coupled and decoupled using hook elements, allowing the storage system to adapt between dense storage mode and accessible retrieval mode.
2Ease of operation
If additional devices or deep reaching mechanisms are used to access containers at the back, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding complex retrieval devices, the patent merges multiple containers into a single coupled assembly that can be handled as one unit. This eliminates the need for deep reaching mechanisms while maintaining simplicity in the handling system.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is segmented into modular coupled assemblies that can be independently handled. Each assembly can be retrieved as a complete unit from the back of the rack without requiring complex internal manipulation mechanisms.
3Strength
If hook elements are designed for form-fitting coupling, then coupling strength is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hook element features an asymmetric U-shaped cross-section with stabilizing ribs that provide mechanical interlocking. This asymmetric design creates a form-fitting coupling that distributes loads effectively across the container structure, achieving strong coupling while accommodating normal manufacturing tolerances through the distributed contact areas.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient storage and retrieval without additional devices, ensuring the foremost position is always occupied, allowing for higher storage density and simplified handling of multiple containers in a rack.
Implementation Method 1
the frictional forces of all connected containers can be overcome, allowing the assembly to be moved
Implementation Method 2
shear or tensile forces can be transmitted during loading or unloading, enabling movement of the assembly along its longitudinal axis
Data Source
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AI summary
A plastic container (100) for storing and transporting objects is disclosed, comprising a base (102) and four side walls (104, 106, 108, 110). A first of the side walls (104) includes a hook element (140) made of plastic on an outer surface (120) of the plastic container (100). This hook element has a downwardly open U-shaped cross-sectional profile in a section plane perpendicular to the first side wall (104) and to the base (102) of the plastic container (100). Furthermore, the hook element (140) includes a plurality of stabilizing ribs (142, 156).