Drawer Box Stabilizing System Using Inertia Hooks and Counterweights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paperboard boxes are not durable, prone to damage when stacked, and do not allow easy access to contents without unstacking, making them unsuitable for frequent use, especially for heavy collections like comic books.
Innovation Solution
A stackable storage system with a folded shell and drawer design, featuring fasteners, a sleeve lining, retainer ears, and a divider assembly with inertia hooks, which allows for secure stacking and easy access from any tier, preventing accidental falls and maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If paperboard boxes are stacked to save storage space, then storage efficiency is improved, but the boxes easily damage one another due to misalignment and crushing
Solution Approach 1:
A sleeve made of more durable material than the paperboard box is introduced as an intermediary component. The sleeve receives and protects the box during stacking, preventing direct contact and damage between boxes. The sleeve acts as a mediator that absorbs the mechanical stresses of stacking while the box remains protected.
2Ease of operation
If a drawer is pulled forward for access to contents, then ease of operation is improved, but the box tips forward making it awkward to use
Solution Approach 1:
A counterweight member is provided that extends forward beyond the front of the box when the drawer is pulled out. This counterweight member, which can be a lip on the sleeve or a separate component, balances the center of gravity and prevents the box from tipping forward during drawer operation.
3Volume of stationary object
If boxes are stacked to considerable height, then storage capacity is improved, but access to contents requires unstacking the boxes
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into multiple independent box-sleeve units that can be stacked vertically. Each unit maintains its own drawer mechanism, allowing individual access to any level without disturbing other levels. The segmentation enables both high stacking and independent access.
4Ease of manufacture
If the box is made of corrugated paperboard for low cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but strength and durability are insufficient for frequent handling
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a composite structure combining paperboard box with a sleeve of more durable material. The paperboard provides cost-effective interior storage while the sleeve provides external protection and structural strength. This composite approach allows inexpensive boxes to achieve durability through material combination.
Data Source
AI summary
Folded storage boxes are assembled into an array of joined folded storage boxes provide a sliding drawer at a front face of each box, such that stacked and laterally joined boxes are accessible from the front of each box. Fasteners join side walls of juxtaposed boxes at intermediate heights to define short beam wall structures. A drawer retention device limits the degree of front withdrawal of each drawer so that drawers on higher courses than the ground course are protected from accidental falls. A divider system in the drawer is supported on side rail sheets that are secured by inertia hooks.