Container Sidewall Spacer to Prevent Nesting Suction Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nestable containers often interlock due to suction forces when one container is nested inside another, making them difficult to separate, and existing methods to address this issue can be hazardous or ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A spacer is thermoformed from a pliable material to match the contour of a container's sidewall and coupled to the exterior surface, allowing airflow between nested containers to prevent interlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If containers are nested to save space and improve transportation, then storage efficiency and transport efficiency are improved, but containers may interlock due to suction forces making them difficult to separate
Solution Approach 1:
A spacer is introduced as an intermediary component between the nested containers. The spacer is positioned between the first container and the second container to prevent direct contact and allow airflow, thereby eliminating suction forces that cause interlocking while maintaining the nested configuration for space efficiency
2Ease of operation
If force is applied to separate interlocked containers, then separation may be achieved, but additional air is forced from the second container tightening the suction force and increasing the risk of container failure
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is installed in advance before nesting to prevent the harmful suction force from developing in the first place. By maintaining a gap between containers and allowing airflow during nesting, the spacer preemptively counteracts the tendency toward interlocking, eliminating the need for forceful separation that could damage containers
3Ease of operation
If tools are used to separate interlocked containers, then separation may be achieved, but hazardous situations may arise from unintended use of tools
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer serves as a safe intermediary component that prevents interlocking without requiring the use of tools. By maintaining proper airflow and preventing suction forces, the spacer eliminates the need for hazardous tools like screwdrivers or pliers, making the separation process safe and straightforward
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
The spacer facilitates easy separation of nested containers by reducing suction forces, eliminating the need for hazardous tools and ensuring containers can be reused without interlocking.
Implementation Method 1
the spacer contacts a top surface of a sidewall of the second container, thereby allowing airflow between the first container and second container
Implementation Method 2
As one container is nested in a second, air in the second container may be evacuated, creating a suction force on the first container
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to devices and methods for preventing interlocking of nestable containers. For example, interlocking of nestable containers is reduced or prevented through a spacerthermoformed from a thermally sensitive material and coupled to sidewalls of containers. When a first container is inserted or nested within a second container, the spacercontacts a top surface of a sidewall of the second container, thereby allowing airflow between the first container and the second container and preventing the first container and the second container from interlocking.