Interlocking Collapsible Container System with Integrated Pallet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container shipping systems require separate pallets, excessive wrapping material, and are labor-intensive, leading to inefficiencies in storage and processing.
Innovation Solution
An interlocking-palletized-container system where containers have a cooperative interlocking structure with male and female runners, allowing adjacent containers to connect and be secured, eliminating the need for separate pallets and reducing waste, and featuring a collapsible design for efficient storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If separate pallets and wrapping material are used to secure containers, then container stability during transport is improved, but device complexity and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pallet and container into a single integrated unit. The pallet includes integrated support members and interlocking structures that directly engage with container bottoms and sides, eliminating the need for separate wrapping materials and simplifying the overall securing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports container weight, provides interlocking engagement points, enables forklift insertion, and maintains container stability during transport. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If separate pallets and wrapping material are used to secure containers, then container stability during transport is improved, but labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet-container system is designed to be self-securing through automated interlocking mechanisms. The support members automatically engage with container features during stacking, eliminating the need for manual wrapping and reducing labor intensity while maintaining stability.
3Reliability
If excessive wrapping material is used to maintain containers together, then container security during shipping is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the wrapping material component from the traditional palletizing system. Instead of wrapping containers together, the invention uses an integrated pallet structure with direct mechanical interlocking features that provide security without requiring excess wrapping material.
4Strength
If traditional container systems are used, then container structural integrity is maintained, but storage space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet is designed to nest within or attach to container structures, with support members that can be positioned inside or along container walls. This nesting approach maintains container integrity while minimizing the additional volume occupied by separate pallet and wrapping materials.
Data Source
AI summary
A container system for use with a forklift, includes a plurality of containers, each container including side and end walls and having interlocking structure cooperatively arranged whereby adjacent containers are connectable to each other and a base secured relative to each container. The base is dimensioned to support the container and being adapted to couple with the blade of the forklift to permit placement and transport of the containers in an interlocked relation thereof. Each container may be collapsible to facilitate storage thereof.