Modular Container System With Vertical Drainage Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container systems lack versatility and functionality for creating modular structures suitable for various applications, particularly in agriculture, floriculture, and construction, as they fail to provide efficient stacking and drainage solutions for hydroponic systems and decorative features.

Innovation Solution

A modular container system with a parallelepiped configuration featuring two partition walls forming three compartments, each with a sleeve forming a vertical channel for stacking and drainage, and conical projections for stability, along with connectors for horizontal and vertical assembly, enabling the creation of complex structures and vertical crop growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional container systems are used, then simple single-unit functionality is maintained, but versatility and modular structure creation capability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container system is divided into identical modular units (containers) that can be independently produced and assembled. Each container unit has standardized connection elements (protrusions and recesses) that enable them to be combined in various configurations, achieving versatility through repetition of simple segments rather than through complex individual components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized container units with universal connection mechanisms can serve multiple functions: as individual plant pots, as stacked vertical structures, as horizontal arrangements, and as modular construction elements. The same basic design provides both containment and structural assembly capabilities, eliminating the need for specialized components for different applications.

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

2Area of stationary object

If containers are designed for stacking, then vertical space utilization is improved, but drainage functionality and structural stability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoiddrainage functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system employs a nested arrangement where protrusions on one container fit into recesses on another container during stacking. This nested connection mechanism maintains secure structural stability while preserving drainage channels that run vertically through the stacked containers, allowing water to flow through the nested structure without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The drainage function is maintained in the vertical dimension through continuous channels that extend through stacked containers. The connection elements are designed to align these vertical channels while providing horizontal stability, allowing the system to utilize vertical space for both stacking and drainage purposes simultaneously rather than sacrificing drainage for stacking capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular connectors are added for horizontal assembly, then structure creation flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure creation flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection elements (protrusions and recesses) are merged directly into the container bodies during the same manufacturing process. Rather than adding separate connector components, the connection features are integrated as part of the container structure itself, reducing the number of parts to manufacture and assemble while maintaining the ability to create flexible horizontal and vertical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8341884B2Modular container system
Publication Date: 2013.01.01 QUIZCAMP FABRICO E COMERCIO DE PROD ALIMENTARES
  • US8341884B2 patent drawing
  • US8341884B2 patent drawing
  • US8341884B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a modular container system for use in agriculture, gardening and construction, characterized in that it comprises a parallelepiped container 1 with two partition walls 2 forming three chambers 3, its top ends each having a sleeve 4 which forms a vertical channel 5, the lower end 6 of the said sleeve extending beyond the bottom of the container but with slightly smaller dimensions and having a groove 10 around its whole periphery; connectors 9 which join adjacent containers in a horizontal plane; a base 11 which allows the containers to rest on the ground; and a lateral support 13 exactly identical to the top end of the container 1.