Corner Spacer Alignment for Stable Stacking of Cuboid Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cuboid containers with flat, outer surfaces and no integrated fixing devices struggle to be stacked vertically without shifting, as they lack the necessary profiles or features to engage securely, making horizontal shifting possible and preventing vertical alignment.
Innovation Solution
A fixing element with first and second vertical side walls and a horizontal connecting element, allowing form-fitting attachment at the corners of the containers, ensuring vertical alignment and preventing lateral shifting, while also allowing for the stacking of containers with different rim shapes and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If containers have a flat, outer bottom surface without a profile, then manufacturing is simpler and containers can be made from various materials, but containers cannot be stacked vertically without shifting
Solution Approach 1:
A fixing element is introduced as an intermediary component between containers to enable stable stacking. The fixing element has first side walls that engage with the inner corner of a container and second side walls that engage with the outer corner, with a horizontal connecting element joining them. This mediator provides the necessary engagement surfaces for vertical stacking without modifying the container's flat bottom design.
2Stability of the object's composition
If containers have integrated fixing profiles on the bottom, then vertical stacking stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking system is segmented into separate components: the container maintains its simple flat-bottom design, while the fixing element is a separate, removable component that provides the engagement features. The fixing element itself is segmented into first side walls, second side walls, and a horizontal connecting element, allowing it to adapt to container corners without complicating the container structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If containers have column-shaped elements at corners for stacking, then vertical alignment is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to integrated corner elements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of integrating column-shaped elements into the container corners, a separate fixing element serves as the intermediary that provides the alignment features. The fixing element's first and second side walls create the necessary geometric constraints for vertical alignment, while the container itself remains simple to manufacture with standard corner formations.
4Stability of the object's composition
If containers are designed to be fixed in position during stacking, then vertical stability is improved, but adaptability to different container configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element is designed to be dynamically removable and repositionable rather than permanently fixed. It can be attached to different containers with varying rim shapes and configurations, allowing the stacking system to adapt to different container types while maintaining stability during use. The fixing element's geometric design allows it to accommodate various corner configurations.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The element (1) has a first vertical sidewall forming a right angle with each other, where inner surfaces of the first sidewall form the right angle and outer surfaces or sides of the first sidewall form an outer angle of the right angle. A horizontal connecting element extends from the first sidewall to a second sidewall, where the second sidewall faces one of the outer sides of the first sidewall and an outer tip of the right angle formed by the first sidewall. The connecting element extends horizontally from the outer surfaces of the first sidewall to the second sidewall. The connecting element is constructed as a spacer. An independent claim is also included for a stacked cuboid container system.