Modular Container Coupling for Reusable Storage Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many plastic containers designed for beverages and snacks are typically one-time use and not convenient for reuse, lacking modular design for user customization and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A storage system comprising modular containers with anchor members and couplers that allow for assembly and orientation adjustment, featuring elongated grooves, movable necks, and universal joints for secure coupling, enabling users to assemble and reconfigure the containers as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plastic containers are designed for one-time use, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but reuse capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into separable components: a body portion and a lid portion with an anchor member. This segmentation allows the components to be detached for cleaning and reassembled for reuse, transforming a one-time use container into a reusable system while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor member with a fitted end is inserted into an elongated groove within the container body, creating a nested structure. This nesting mechanism enables secure attachment and detachment of the lid, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly for cleaning and storage, thereby enabling reuse without complicating manufacturing
2Strength
If anchor members are secured to container bodies, then connection strength is improved, but assembly complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor member incorporates a rotatable neck that can be turned to different orientations. This dynamic feature allows the connection to be easily adjusted and secured at various angles, providing strong mechanical engagement through simple rotational motion rather than complex fastening procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The neck acts as an intermediary element between the fitted end (inserted in the groove) and the enlarged head (with coupling external thread). This intermediary structure enables the transfer of mechanical strength through a simple rotational joint, achieving strong connection without complex assembly steps
3Adaptability or versatility
If couplers are used to connect anchor members, then modularity is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is designed with a universal coupling mechanism that can connect any two anchor members regardless of their orientation. The coupling external threads on the enlarged heads engage with the coupler in a standardized manner, allowing flexible assembly of multiple containers in various configurations without requiring different connection mechanisms, thus achieving modularity without proportionally increasing complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the reuse and customizable assembly of modular containers, enhancing user convenience and flexibility by allowing the containers to be easily assembled and oriented for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
an inner abutment surface configured to be brought into frictional engagement relative to the two juncture areas of the corresponding elongated groove
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system includes at least two modular containers, at least two anchor members, and at least one coupler. Each of the modular containers includes a bottom wall and a surrounding wall unit with two opposite walls. Each of the two opposite walls has two lateral regions and an elongated depressed region which extends inwardly to form an elongated groove. Each of the anchor members includes a fitted end fitted slidably in a corresponding elongated groove, an enlarged head, and a neck disposed between the fitted end and the enlarged head. The coupler couples the enlarged heads of the at least two anchor members together so as to permit the at least two modular containers to be disposed in their respective orientations.