Interlocking Storage Containers With Reconfigurable Dividers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inventory storage facilities face challenges in adapting to changing numbers and varieties of stored items, requiring flexible storage mechanisms that allow for easy access and efficient use of space.
Innovation Solution
The development of storage containers assembled from flat blanks that can be folded and configured with insertable dividers, featuring score lines for folding and interlocking mechanisms, allowing for customizable partitions and easy stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed storage mechanisms are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to changing inventory needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is divided into multiple detachable components including the outer container, inner container, and dividers that can be separated and reconfigured independently. This segmentation allows the storage system to adapt to different inventory configurations while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system incorporates movable and adjustable elements such as repositionable dividers and nestable containers that can be dynamically reconfigured. The dividers can be inserted at different positions within the inner container, and containers can be nested within each other, enabling the system to adapt to varying storage requirements without requiring a completely different structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customizable partitions are added to accommodate variety of items, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partitioning system uses separate, removable divider components that can be independently positioned within the inner container. Each divider is a simple structural element that can be inserted into designated slots or grooves, allowing customization of compartment sizes without requiring complex mechanical systems. The dividers segment the storage space into manageable sections that can be easily reconfigured.
Solution Approach 2:
The dividers are designed as universal components that can be used in multiple positions and configurations within the same container. The same divider piece can serve different functions depending on its position, and the divider system works with various container sizes. This multi-functionality reduces the number of different parts needed while maintaining high adaptability for storing different item varieties.
3Ease of manufacture
If storage containers are made easily assembled from flat blanks, then ease of manufacture improves, but structural strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flat blanks are pre-scored with fold lines and pre-cut with connection tabs and slots during manufacturing. These preliminary actions prepare the material for easy assembly without requiring complex tools or techniques. The score lines indicate exactly where to fold, and the pre-formed tabs and slots guide the assembly process, ensuring consistent structural integrity while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed as an assembly of multiple flat blank components that are joined through interlocking tabs and slots. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured simply from flat material, while the joined assembly achieves the required structural strength. The distributed connection points throughout the container structure provide cumulative strength that matches or exceeds traditional formed containers.
4Productivity
If interlocking mechanisms are added for stacking containers, then space efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking mechanism combines multiple functions into a single integrated system. The same tabs and slots that provide structural assembly for the container body also serve as the stacking interlocks when containers are placed vertically. This merging of assembly and stacking functions eliminates the need for separate interlocking components, achieving high stacking efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection tabs and slots are designed as universal features that serve multiple purposes: they assemble the container from its blank components, they provide structural reinforcement, and they enable stacking of multiple containers. This multi-functionality allows a single structural feature to address multiple requirements, improving productivity through efficient stacking while keeping the overall system complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for storage containers that may be used with a storage assembly. The storage containers may include tabs that can be inserted into slots of adjacent storage containers to stack the storage containers. In some embodiments, the storage containers may be stored on shelves of a shelving system. The shelves may further include holes through which the tabs of the storage containers may be inserts into the slots of adjacent storage containers.