Expandable Bottom Tote for Stacking and Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plastic totes have a static footprint, limiting their ability to efficiently stack or nest with other containers depending on their filled or empty state, as they either require a specific slope for stacking or nesting.
Innovation Solution
A tote container with an expandable and collapsible bottom structure, featuring linking portions that allow the bottom and side walls to adjust between expanded and collapsed positions, enabling both stacking and nesting configurations through a locking mechanism and pivot segments for flexible movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tote has a static footprint with rigid side walls, then the manufacturing is simple and structure is stable, but the container cannot adapt between stacking and nesting configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static bottom structure into a dynamic, adjustable structure. The bottom panel can be positioned in multiple configurations (collapsed, partially expanded, fully expanded) allowing the container to adapt between nesting and stacking modes. This is achieved through the linkage mechanism connecting the bottom panel to the side walls, enabling movement between fixed positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the bottom structure from the rigid side walls by introducing a movable bottom panel connected through linkages. This segmentation allows the bottom portion to be independently positioned, creating the ability to switch between different container configurations while maintaining the stability of the upper structure.
2Productivity
If the container is designed for stacking with filled goods, then the storage efficiency is improved, but the nesting capability when empty is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic bottom structure allows the container to transition between expanded configuration for stacking (improving storage efficiency when filled) and collapsed configuration for nesting (improving space utilization when empty). The same structure serves both opposing requirements at different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The container achieves multi-functionality through the adjustable bottom structure, which enables the same container to perform both stacking and nesting functions. The bottom panel can be positioned to optimize for either mode of operation, making the container universally adaptable to different logistical requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bottom structure is made expandable with linking portions, then the nesting and stacking flexibility is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism is segmented into discrete components (linkages, bottom panel, connection points) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation of the complex mechanism into manageable parts reduces manufacturing difficulty while maintaining the expandable functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic linkage system uses simple mechanical connections that can be manufactured with standard components. The expandable mechanism relies on basic hinge-like linkages rather than complex actuators or mechanisms, keeping manufacturing relatively straightforward despite the added functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The container can efficiently stack when filled and nest when empty, optimizing storage space and transportation efficiency by adapting its configuration based on content load.
Implementation Method 1
The linking portion may include a plurality of segments connected by pivot segments that allow the bottom and side walls to flex and move between fixed positions
Implementation Method 2
The linking portion may include a plurality of segments connected by pivot segments that allow the bottom and side walls to flex and move between fixed positions
Data Source
AI summary
A nestable and stackable straight wall tote with an expandable bottom is provided. The tote includes a bottom wall connected to each of a first end wall, a second end wall, a first side wall and a second side wall by an expandable and collapsible linking portion. The expandable and collapsible linking portions allows for expanding the bottom portion of the tote outward to enable the tote to either stack on a like tote when expanded or nest with a like tote (when collapsed. The tote can include a lock mechanism in the bottom to keep the walls in an expanded position.