Modular Container Coding Elements for Flexible Stacking Groups

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stackable containers lack flexibility in coding systems, limiting their ability to be stacked and grouped in diverse ways, and require complex or destructive changes when coding needs to be modified.

Innovation Solution

Containers are equipped with coding bodies and receptacles attached via non-destructively detachable connecting devices, allowing for multiple coding configurations and easy replacement or rearrangement of coding elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If coding elements are permanently attached to containers, then stacking positions are fixed and reliable, but flexibility to change coding configurations is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in coding configurationsVSAvoidstacking position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coding element system is segmented into separate components: coding bodies that can be detached and reattached to container side walls. This allows the coding configuration to be changed by removing and repositioning these modular elements, providing flexibility while maintaining reliable stacking when properly configured.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coding elements are made dynamic through detachable connections to the container side walls. This enables the coding configuration to be adjusted or repositioned as needed, transforming the static coding system into a dynamic one that can adapt to different stacking requirements while maintaining stability during actual stacking operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If coding elements are permanently fixed, then manufacturing is simple, but modification of coding requires complex or destructive changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of container productionVSAvoiddifficulty of coding modification
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the coding elements from the container structure through detachable connections, the system maintains simple initial manufacturing while enabling easy modification. The coding bodies can be removed and repositioned without requiring complex tools or destructive processes, solving both the manufacturing simplicity and modification ease requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable coding elements can be easily removed (discarded from their original position) and repositioned (recovered in new positions) on the container side walls. This allows coding modifications without waste or complex procedures, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling simple coding changes when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple coding configurations are possible, then container grouping flexibility increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer grouping flexibilityVSAvoidcoding system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coding system uses segmented, detachable coding bodies that can be independently positioned on container side walls. This segmentation allows multiple coding configurations to be achieved using simple repositioning of discrete elements rather than complex mechanisms, increasing grouping flexibility while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable coding elements serve multiple functions: they provide unique identification, indicate stacking positions, and enable container grouping. This multi-functionality allows diverse coding configurations without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the same basic detachable component structure handles all coding requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4342810B1Container and container arrangement
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 FRIES MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENT GMBH
  • EP4342810B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4342810B1 patent drawingFigure 3~8
  • EP4342810B1 patent drawingFigure 9~14

AI summary

Container (1) comprising a bottom (2), side walls (3) and at least one coding element (4) for insertion into a coding element receptacle (5) of another container (6) and at least one coding element receptacle (7) for receiving a coding element of yet another container, wherein the at least one coding element (4) of the container (1) is attached or attachable to one of the side walls (3) of the container (1) by means of a non-destructively detachable connecting device (10) and has a projection (11), wherein the coding element receptacle (7) of the container (1) is also attached or attachable to one of the side walls (3) of the container (1) by means of a non-destructively detachable connecting device (10).