Storage Container Pivotable Support Structure for Variable Nesting Heights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable storage containers face challenges in efficiently stacking and nesting while minimizing contact between containers to prevent damage to goods, as current bail members do not provide sufficient support variations for different heights during stacking.
Innovation Solution
The storage container features a support system with pivotably connected projections of varying heights on each end wall, forming channels that allow for selective blocking and support of upper containers at different heights, enabling versatile stacking and nesting configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bail members are used for stacking, then containers can be stacked, but they do not provide sufficient support variations for different heights and cannot securely support upper containers at multiple height levels
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into multiple discrete supports (first support, second support, third support) that can be independently positioned at different heights. Each support corresponds to a specific projection height, allowing selective activation to provide varied support levels for upper containers at different stacking heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The supports are made pivotably connected to the end wall, allowing them to be dynamically positioned between a retracted position (for nesting) and multiple extended support positions. This dynamic capability enables the same support structure to serve multiple functions: nesting when retracted and providing height-specific support when extended.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If containers are stacked with minimal overlap to protect goods, then goods are protected from contact and damage, but the stacking stability and alignment become more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The projections and corresponding channels act as intermediary elements that mediate between the upper and lower containers. The projections on the upper container align with the channels in the lower container, providing precise alignment guidance. The supports then block specific channels to provide targeted support at desired heights, maintaining stability while preserving minimal overlap for goods protection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple supports are provided at different heights, then various stacking configurations are enabled, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each support structure serves multiple functions: when retracted, it allows nesting; when extended, it provides support at specific heights. The same set of supports can accommodate different stacking configurations (single-level, multi-level, offset stacking) by selectively activating different supports, making the system universally applicable to various storage scenarios without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage container includes a base and a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the base. At least one of the walls includes a plurality of projections on its exterior at different heights. The interior of the wall includes a plurality of channels into which the projections of a like container would be slidably received when the empty containers are nested. A plurality of supports are pivotably connected to the container and can be selectably pivoted to block selected ones of the plurality of channels such that the projections are supported on the supports and do not enter the channels, thereby supporting the upper container at a selected height.