Customizable Caddy with Interchangeable Receptacles and Stacking Base

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current storage systems lack flexibility in interchanging storage receptacles and easily stacking and carrying multiple storage solutions, making it difficult to organize items like office or craft supplies.

Innovation Solution

A portable carrying base with interchangeable storage receptacles, featuring a frame with compartments, a handle, and removable receptacles that can be connected and stacked, allowing for customizable organization units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If storage systems use fixed, non-interchangeable receptacles, then structural simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to interchange storage receptaclesVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is divided into separate, interchangeable components: a base unit with cavities and removable receptacles that can be independently selected and combined. This segmentation allows users to interchange receptacles based on specific storage needs without redesigning the entire system, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by making the system modular.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base unit is designed with universal features including standardized cavities that can accommodate different receptacle types, stacking interfaces on multiple sides, and a handle for carrying. This universality allows the same base structure to serve multiple functions and configurations, enabling flexibility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple storage units are designed to be stackable and connectable, then organizational capacity increases, but structural complexity and difficulty of manufacture increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to stack and carry multiple storage solutionsVSAvoidease of stacking and carrying implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple base units are designed with complementary stacking interfaces that can be merged vertically and horizontally to form larger storage configurations. The handle structure is integrated into the base unit design, combining carrying functionality with the storage structure itself. This merging approach enables flexible expansion of organizational capacity while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through repeated use of standardized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If storage receptacles are made removable and interchangeable, then organizational flexibility improves, but reliability of connection and stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterchangeability of storage receptaclesVSAvoidconnection stability between components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Receptacles are designed to nest within the cavities of the base unit, with interference-fit connections that provide secure retention. The receptacle outer dimensions are slightly larger than the cavity inner dimensions, creating friction-based holding without requiring additional fastening mechanisms. This nesting approach ensures reliable connection while maintaining easy interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS10308409B2Customizable caddy

Publication Date: 2019.06.04 DEFLECTO CORP

AI summary

A storage system including a storage base that includes a frame, a partition dividing the frame into first and second compartments where each of the first and second compartments includes a cavity formed therein with at least an open top and the partition wall includes an upper portion extending above the level of the frame to form a handle.