Modular Crate Assembly With Mating Interfaces for Flexible Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular crate assemblies lack flexibility in adapting to the size of the pallet and the goods, and fail to fully encase goods inside a dedicated storage space, limiting their efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Innovation Solution
A modular crate assembly comprising a bottom pallet part and sidewalls formed of modular side panels with lateral mating interfaces that allow direct or indirect joining along perpendicular or same planes, enabling flexible assembly and disassembly, and incorporating a male-female connecting structure for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing modular crate assemblies are used, then basic storage function is provided, but flexibility in adapting to pallet and goods size is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The crate assembly is divided into modular components including a bottom pallet part and multiple side panel modules that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each side panel module contains mating interfaces that enable flexible configuration to adapt to different pallet sizes and goods dimensions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The side panel modules are designed with universal mating interfaces that can connect to various pallet configurations and accommodate different goods sizes. The same basic module design serves multiple functions across different crate assembly configurations, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing modular crate assemblies are used, then partial enclosure is achieved, but full encasement of goods is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure system is segmented into a bottom pallet part and four separate side panel modules that can be assembled to completely encase goods. This modular segmentation allows full encasement capability while maintaining manageable structural complexity through standardized connection interfaces.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If reusable modular crate assembly is implemented, then environmental sustainability is improved, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reusable crate assembly is segmented into standardized modules that can be manufactured independently and assembled through simple mating interfaces. This segmentation enables sustainable reuse while keeping manufacturing and assembly processes manageable through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The side panel modules are designed to nest within each other when not in use, maximizing space efficiency during storage and transport. This nesting capability reduces the overall footprint of the reusable system, offsetting the increased manufacturing complexity through improved logistics efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular crate assembly for the handling and transportation of goods, including a bottom pallet part and a sidewall having four side panels mounted onto the bottom pallet part. The four side panels are modular and formed of multiple side panel modules that are assembled and mutually joined at corners to form the sidewall, with each side panel module including first and second lateral mating interfaces configured to allow direct joining of two adjacent side panel modules along two perpendicular planes to form the corners of the sidewall. The first and second lateral mating interfaces are configured to allow direct (or indirect) joining of two adjacent side panel modules along a same plane to form each side panel. The first lateral mating interface is provided with a male or female connecting structure configured to mate with a corresponding female or male connecting structure provided on the second lateral mating interface.