Foldable Roll Container Supports for Logistics Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelved roll containers are not optimally designed for applications like florists, as they are either too deep for narrow spaces or do not accommodate spillage effectively, and there is a need for improved usability and alternative designs.
Innovation Solution
A roll container with a quadrilateral base and elongated supports that can be folded, featuring individual slots and stacking slots for adjustable shelf positioning, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and a logistics system with kinked tabs on shelves for secure installation and tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shelves are installed into individual holes for return logistics, then shelf positioning flexibility is improved, but disassembly and reassembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support is divided into multiple individual holes positioned at different heights, allowing shelves to be segmented and positioned independently at various levels. This enables flexible shelf arrangement while maintaining simple insertion and removal operations through the standardized hole pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The same support structure with standardized holes serves multiple functions: providing shelf positioning during operational use and enabling efficient nesting during return logistics. The universal hole pattern allows the support to adapt to different shelf configurations without requiring complex disassembly procedures.
2Volume of stationary object
If roll containers are disassembled for return logistics, then volumetric efficiency is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support features a folding mechanism that allows it to dynamically change between an extended operational state and a compact folded state. This dynamic transformation enables the support to provide full functionality during use while minimizing space during return logistics, eliminating the need for complete disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The support is designed to nest within the roll container body when folded, similar to a nested doll structure. This nesting capability allows multiple supports to be stored compactly within the container volume, achieving high volumetric efficiency without requiring time-consuming disassembly operations.
3Productivity
If supports extend transversally in operational state, then shelf loading capacity is improved, but space efficiency during storage worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The support transitions between two dynamic states: an extended transversal configuration during operational use that maximizes shelf loading capacity, and a folded parallel configuration during storage that optimizes space efficiency. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between loading capacity and storage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The support utilizes the vertical dimension by folding parallel to the base during storage, rather than occupying horizontal space transversally. This dimensional transformation allows the support to maintain full loading capacity when needed while achieving compact storage by exploiting the vertical stacking capability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A novel logistics system is disclosed involving a roll container (100) with a base (110) and two elongated supports (120) that are supported by the base (110). The supports each have a plurality of individual slots (122) provided in a spaced apart configuration along the supports (120) for receiving a tab (133, 134) of a respective plurality of shelves (130) in a spaced apart configuration. The roll container may further include a folding mechanism between the base and the supports for turning the supports between an operational state and a folded state. In the operational state of the roll container the supports extend transversally in respect to the base. In the folded state of the roll container the supports extend parallel to the base.