Modular Container System with Nested Bodies for Reusable Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing containers for small objects are costly, environmentally harmful due to disposal issues, and inefficient in transport and display, as they are typically rigid, bulky when empty, and require additional closing elements for safe transport.

Innovation Solution

A modular container system comprising two bodies with grooves and attachment means that can be coupled to form a closed compartment for packaging and later separated for display, eliminating the need for auxiliary closing elements and allowing reconfiguration for different uses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid boxes with covers and closing elements are used, then safe containment and transport of objects is achieved, but production costs increase and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafe containmentVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into two separate bodies (first body and second body) that can function independently or be coupled together. Each body has its own blind compartment and can be used separately or in combination, eliminating the need for complex closing mechanisms while maintaining containment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container bodies are designed to serve multiple functions: they can be used individually as separate containers, coupled together to form a larger container, or stacked for storage and transport. The grooves and attachment means enable versatile configuration options without requiring additional closing elements.

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

2Reliability

If traditional boxes are used for packaging, then safe transport is achieved, but disposal costs increase and environmental pollution occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafe transportVSAvoidenvironmental pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The container bodies are designed to be reused multiple times in different configurations rather than being discarded after single use. The durable construction and modular design allow the bodies to be recovered, reconfigured, and continued used for various purposes, reducing waste and environmental impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The container can change its configuration parameters by coupling or separating the bodies, transforming from a transport configuration to a display or storage configuration. This adaptability extends the useful life of the container and reduces the need for disposal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional boxes with covers are used, then compartment closure is achieved, but the need for auxiliary closing elements increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompartment closureVSAvoidhardware elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The two container bodies are designed to couple together directly through complementary grooves and attachment means, merging to form a closed compartment system. This eliminates the need for separate covers, lids, or closing hardware while achieving the same containment effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If empty boxes are transported, then storage flexibility is achieved, but transport volume increases and marketing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoidtransport volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The container bodies can be nested within each other when empty, with one body placed inside the other, significantly reducing the transport volume. This nesting capability maintains storage flexibility while minimizing the space required for transporting empty containers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2352681B8Modular container system
Publication Date: 2013.10.09 LEGNOTECNICA

AI summary

In a container comprising a first and a second body (11, 12) each having lateral walls (13) and a bottom wall (15) and each defining a blind compartment (16, 21), said bodies being joinable so as to define at least a packaging configuration, with said compartments (16, 21) defining a single completely closed compartment, first and second attachment means (23, 26) are provided in order to mechanically interact with said lateral and/or bottom walls and to determine a reciprocal constraint of said bodies (11, 12) in a second display configuration, in which said first body (11) and said second body (12) are disposed with respect to each other so as to define a stable structure, in which structure said compartments (16, 21) are separated from each other and accessible from outside in an independent manner.