Modular container stack and method for stacking a modular container stack

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing parcel delivery systems, including door-to-door delivery, manned and unmanned PUDO's, face inefficiencies such as varying hand-over times, location inaccessibility, and unsuitable locker sizes, leading to increased travel distances for recipients and time-consuming management.

Innovation Solution

A modular container stack comprising stackable parcel containers with a fixation mechanism, allowing for customizable and transportable parcel storage that can be strategically positioned, with each container having a door and locking device, and a fixation mechanism ensuring structural integrity, enabling efficient delivery and access without disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If parcels are delivered to traditional PUDO locations, then hand-over time flexibility is improved, but travel distance for recipients is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand-over time flexibilityVSAvoidtravel distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the delivery network into multiple distributed modular container stacks located in different geographic clusters, rather than using a single centralized PUDO location. This allows recipients to access parcels at the nearest stack, reducing travel distance while maintaining flexible hand-over times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from horizontal expansion (larger centralized facilities) to vertical stacking (modular container stacks). Multiple stacks are distributed across different locations, creating a multi-dimensional delivery network that reduces travel distance while providing flexible access times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If standard-sized lockers are used in unmanned PUDO's, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different parcel sizes is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocker size standardizationVSAvoidparcel size accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is segmented into multiple standardized container units that can be stacked vertically. Each container maintains a standardized footprint for simplicity, but the vertical stacking configuration allows the system to accommodate varying parcel sizes by adjusting the number and arrangement of containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular container system allows dynamic reconfiguration of storage capacity by adding or removing containers from the stack. This enables the system to adapt to different parcel volumes while maintaining standardized container dimensions, balancing device simplicity with versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If manual storage and retrieval operations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidparcel management speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments parcel management operations into discrete container units with standardized interfaces. Each container has a door and locking device that can be independently accessed, allowing parallel processing of multiple parcels and improving throughput while maintaining relatively simple mechanical operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If stackable container design is used, then adaptability to different locations is improved, but structural integrity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation flexibilityVSAvoidstack structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the storage structure into discrete stackable container units with standardized connection interfaces. These modular units can be assembled into stacks of varying heights and configurations to suit different locations, while maintaining structural integrity through standardized mechanical connections between containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Containers are designed to nest or stack upon each other with interlocking features that distribute loads and maintain structural integrity. The nested stacking arrangement allows for compact vertical storage while ensuring stability through standardized connection mechanisms between adjacent containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20260069072A1Modular container stack and method for stacking a modular container stack

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 BELTER BV

AI summary

A modular container stack (10) comprising one or more stackable containers (100). The stackable containers are adjacently packed in one or more lateral planes (101) and stacked along a longitudinal direction (102) for forming a stack. Each stackable container (100) provides an internal storage space for storing a respective object. Each internal storage space is adapted to substantially match dimensions of the respective object. Each stackable container (100) comprises a door (120) on an exterior side of the stack facing a lateral direction, and a locking device (130) for locking the door (120). A fixation mechanism (200) is arranged for fixating the stackable containers (100) with respect to each other. The fixation mechanism (200) comprises a first mount (210) and a second mount (220) at an adjustable distance (D) from the first mount (210). Opposing ends of the stack facing the longitudinal direction are mounted between the first and second mount (210, 220).