Dairy Trolley Adapter Brackets for Stable Container Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current trolleys for dairy product transport face challenges such as instability when partially filled, damage to fragile cream cases, and inefficiencies in stacking and packaging, leading to waste and increased carbon footprint.

Innovation Solution

A trolley with adapter brackets that securely attach containers to the top, allowing for flexible and stable transport of various-sized dairy products, reducing the need for packaging and increasing transport efficiency by up to 20%, thereby minimizing the number of transport trips and packaging usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional trolleys are used for dairy transport, then standard sizes are available for common products, but the trolleys cannot accommodate non-stackable products and have reduced filling efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct compatibilityVSAvoidtransport filling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The trolley is designed with a universal platform and adjustable support structures that can accommodate multiple product types including traditional dairy products, non-stackable products, and alternative packaging formats. This multi-functional design allows a single trolley type to serve various transport needs while maintaining high filling efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If cream cases are transported alongside other dairy products, then product variety is increased, but the fragile cream cases are prone to damage upon delivery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct varietyVSAvoidproduct integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The trolley incorporates specialized localized features such as cushioned compartments, adjustable dividers, and protective positioning systems in specific areas where fragile cream cases are placed. These local modifications provide enhanced protection for delicate products while maintaining the overall structure's ability to handle various dairy products

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If shrink wrapped milk cases are used to protect milk, then product protection is improved, but the percentage of filling of trolleys is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct protectionVSAvoidtrolley filling percentage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The trolley design includes dynamic adjustment capabilities with movable shelves, adjustable support elements, and flexible positioning systems that can adapt to the dimensions of shrink-wrapped milk cases. This dynamic configuration optimizes space utilization while maintaining product protection, thereby increasing trolley filling percentage despite the bulkier packaging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3578437B1A trolley for transporting dairy products
Publication Date: 2023.07.05 ARLA FOODS AMBA
  • EP3578437B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3578437B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3578437B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The invention relates to a trolley (100) for distributing dairy products with an upper portion comprising at least two substantially parallel struts and a pair of adapter brackets (200), which have first and second surfaces, for securing a container (300) to the upper portion of the trolley. The pair of adapter brackets is mounted on opposing sides of the trolley and cooperates so that the pair of first surfaces on each side of the trolley supports the bottom surface of the container from below, and the pair of second surfaces on each side of the trolley, engages with the corresponding sides of the container, so as to fixate the container at least in a direction substantially perpendicular to the parallel struts at said upper portion of the trolley. The invention has the ability to secure a container to the top of the dairy trolley, which decreases the need of packaging used for transport.