Interlocking Plastic Bins Preventing Lateral Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plastic bins lack effective mechanisms to prevent relative lateral movement when connected, leading to instability and potential disassembly during use.

Innovation Solution

Designing bins with specific connector configurations, such as female and male connectors, that allow for secure connection by preventing lateral movement, including configurations where female connectors are on multiple sides and male connectors are on one side, or vice versa, to facilitate different assembly configurations while maintaining a clean look.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bins are connected without specific connector configurations, then assembly is simple, but relative lateral movement occurs causing instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of connected binsVSAvoidconnector configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector system is segmented into two distinct types: male connectors and female connectors. This segmentation allows for clear differentiation of connection roles, where male connectors protrude from certain sides of bins and female connectors are recessed in corresponding sides, enabling stable lateral connections when male and female connectors are paired together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sides of the bin are equipped with different connector types based on their local connection needs. Specifically, male connectors are placed on sides that require protruding engagement, while female connectors are placed on sides requiring recessed reception, creating localized connection qualities that prevent lateral movement while maintaining overall system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If connectors are added to prevent lateral movement, then stability improves, but the appearance becomes less clean

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of connected binsVSAvoidclean look of assembled collection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having all connectors protrude outward (which would compromise appearance), the design inverts the connector arrangement by using recessed female connectors on sides visible in assembled collections. This inversion allows connection functionality while maintaining a clean exterior appearance, as the female connectors are hidden within the bin walls rather than protruding outward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The male connector acts as an intermediary element that bridges between bins. It protrudes from one bin to engage with the recessed female connector of an adjacent bin, providing the necessary connection stability while keeping the female connector hidden within the bin structure to maintain aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If uniform connectors are used on all sides, then manufacturing is simple, but assembly flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly configuration optionsVSAvoidconnector uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bin connector system employs asymmetric design where different sides of the bin have different connector types (male or female). This asymmetry enables versatile assembly configurations by allowing bins to be connected in multiple patterns and orientations, while the manufacturing process remains relatively simple through injection molding techniques that can efficiently produce asymmetric connector distributions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS11247811B1Bins that connect to prevent lateral movement

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 INTERDESIGN INC

AI summary

Bins that are capable of connecting to other bins to prevent relative lateral movement of connected bins and/or improved means for connecting bins. The bins can connect via the top, the bottom, or any other location.