Container organizer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Storage containers of varying configurations often clutter cupboards and drawers, leading to instability and difficulty in accessing items due to their non-stackable nature, resulting in jams and improper closure of drawers.

Innovation Solution

A container organizer kit comprising a rack with a base and cap, designed to accommodate various sizes and configurations of storage containers, featuring hinged coupling for multiple access points and dividers to organize lids and dishes, allowing for easy stacking and accessibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If storage containers of various configurations are placed in cupboards and drawers, then the quantity of stored items increases, but the organization and stability deteriorate resulting in clutter and instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantity of storage containersVSAvoidstability of storage container arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The organizer is divided into multiple compartments and sections that separately hold different types and sizes of storage containers. This segmentation allows various configurations of containers to be organized in designated spaces, preventing them from creating unstable arrangements while maintaining high storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The organizer structure uses nested compartments where smaller storage containers can be placed within larger designated spaces. This nesting approach allows multiple sizes and configurations of containers to be efficiently organized within the same footprint, improving both quantity and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Quantity of substance

If various configurations of storage containers are placed in drawers, then the storage capacity increases, but the ease of operation deteriorates causing drawers to jam and not shut properly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoiddrawer closure operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The organizer incorporates movable dividers and adjustable compartments that can be reconfigured based on the size and shape of storage containers. This dynamic adjustment allows the organizer to adapt to various container configurations while maintaining a compact, uniform external profile that prevents drawer jamming and ensures smooth closure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If storage containers of different configurations are gathered, then the versatility of storage options increases, but the device complexity increases resulting in cumbersome arrangements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility of storage configurationsVSAvoidcomplexity of storage arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The organizer is designed with universal compartments and standardized opening sizes that can accommodate multiple types and configurations of storage containers. This multi-functional design allows the same organizer structure to handle various container formats without requiring complex specialized arrangements, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11261006B2Container organizer

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 KENNEDY THOMAS MICHAEL

AI summary

Container organizers, kits, and methods for organizing a plurality of storage containers including dishes and lids. A rack includes a base defining a cavity for storing container lids and defining first and second openings providing access to the cavity. The first and second openings are noncoplanar, and the container lids are received by and removed from the cavity through the first and second openings. The rack also includes a cap moveably coupled to the base between a first position in which the cap covers the second opening and a second position in which the cap is separated from the second opening.