Device for orienting a stack of containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cuboid containers with even outer surfaces and perforated or grid-like bottoms face challenges in stable vertical stacking due to lateral displacement, as they lack integrated fixing devices, making it difficult to maintain vertical orientation and prevent shifting.
Innovation Solution
A fixing element with vertically oriented sidewalls forming a right angle, a horizontal connecting element, and optional spacer projections is used to securely position and stack containers by engaging with the container's corners and borders, preventing lateral shifting and allowing for efficient vertical orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If containers have even outer bottom surfaces without integrated fixing devices, then manufacturing simplicity and ease of manufacture are improved, but stacking stability and prevention of lateral displacement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate fixing element as an intermediary component that mediates between the simple container design and the requirement for stable stacking. This fixing element has L-shaped configuration with a first leg engaging the inner corner and a second leg engaging the outer corner of the container, providing stable stacking without modifying the container itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element is segmented into two distinct legs: a first leg for engaging the inner corner and a second leg for engaging the outer corner. This segmentation allows each leg to perform its specific function independently, with the first leg preventing inward shifting and the second leg preventing outward shifting, thereby achieving comprehensive stacking stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If containers have integrated fixing devices like column-shaped elements, then stacking stability and prevention of lateral displacement are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fixing function from the container structure itself and places it in a separate, dedicated fixing element. Instead of integrating column-shaped elements into the container corners, the fixing element is applied externally to the container, simplifying the container design while maintaining stacking stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element serves multiple functions: it prevents lateral displacement, maintains vertical orientation, and works with containers that have even outer surfaces without requiring modifications to the container design. This universal applicability reduces overall system complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If containers have sidewalls extending oblique to the bottom, then nesting capability and space utilization are improved, but stacking stability and vertical orientation control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element's L-shaped configuration allows it to self-adjust to the container's corner geometry. The first leg engages the inner corner and the second leg engages the outer corner, creating a self-aligning mechanism that ensures proper vertical orientation without requiring precise pre-positioning or complex adjustment mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If containers are stacked without fixing elements, then ease of operation and speed of stacking are improved, but lateral displacement and misalignment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element is prepared in advance and applied to the container before stacking. The L-shaped configuration is pre-formed with the first and second legs positioned to engage specific corners, so that when stacking occurs, the alignment is already established, preventing lateral displacement during the stacking operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing element for orienting vertically stacked cuboid containers has first and second vertical sidewalls and a connecting element wherein the first sidewalls form a right angle with each other and the second sidewalls face the outer sides of the first sidewalls. The fixing element can be form fittingly fastened on the corners of a container, wherein a further container is arranged on the fixing element and is fixed in its horizontal position relative to the first container. The fixing element can be easily released again and reused. An embodiment is disclosed with a connecting element as spacer whereby a spacing of two containers is achieved. When two containers are thus stacked with their upper open sides facing each other a third container can be accommodated therein.