Interlocking Storage Containers With Adjustable Compartments for Fragile Items

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Solution Overview

Problem

The storage of decorative and fragile items poses challenges due to their number, fragile nature, and variable sizes, with existing solutions failing to provide efficient and protective storage systems.

Innovation Solution

The development of interlocking stackable storage containers with adjustable compartments and protective liners, featuring orthogonal handle locks for secure stacking and handles for easy maneuvering, along with adjustable or fixed compartments for various item sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional storage containers are used for decorative items, then items can be stored, but the containers cannot provide secure stacking and protection for fragile items of variable sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection for fragile itemsVSAvoidaccommodation of variable sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The storage container is divided into multiple adjustable compartments that can be independently configured. Each compartment can be adjusted in size and position to accommodate different item dimensions, while the overall container structure provides unified protection and stacking capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compartments feature adjustable and reconfigurable design, allowing users to dynamically change the internal layout according to storage needs. This dynamic adaptability enables the same container to protect various sizes of fragile items effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If storage containers are designed with fixed compartments, then manufacturing is simplified, but the containers cannot accommodate items of various sizes efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer productionVSAvoidcompartment configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The container employs adjustable compartment dividers that can be repositioned along the container walls, providing versatility in accommodating different item sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The container design incorporates universal features such as standardized adjustment mechanisms and modular components that can serve multiple configuration needs, reducing manufacturing complexity while enhancing adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If storage containers lack interlocking features, then handling is simpler, but stable stacking during transport cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestacking stabilityVSAvoidcontainer handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The container incorporates nested interlocking features where protrusions on one container fit into recesses on another, creating a stable stacked configuration. The handles are designed to engage with corresponding features on adjacent containers, providing secure stacking while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The handles feature curved or rounded geometries that facilitate easy grasping and manipulation, while the interlocking mechanisms use complementary curved surfaces to achieve stable stacking connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Reliability

If protective liners are not included, then the container structure is simpler, but fragile items cannot be adequately protected during transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection during transportVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container includes pre-installed protective liners that provide cushioning and protection for fragile items before they are placed inside. These liners are integrated into the compartment structure, protecting items from damage during transport while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20250376297A1Interlocking stackable storage containers

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 SHINING SEA TRADING CO

AI summary

An interlockable storage system including two or more stackable storge containers are lockable to one another. A storage container includes a rectangular support frame, having a plurality of top frame members, a plurality of bottom frame members, and a plurality of support members. The rectangular support frame includes a pair of upper handle locks extending from an opposing pair of top frame members, a pair of lower handle locks extending from an opposing pair of bottom frame members, and wherein the pair of bottom handle locks are positioned to surround the upper handle locks when resting on a subsequent storage container, and a pair of locking handles each rotatably coupled to either the pair of upper handle locks or the pair of lower handle locks, wherein each locking handle rotates to secure the pair of bottom handle locks to the pair of upper handle locks