Modular Crate With Pivot Panels For Customizable Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional crates are inflexible in configuration, sacrificing storage capacity or durability when attempting to fold for space-saving, and often limit stacking arrangements and access to interior spaces.

Innovation Solution

A modular crate system with pivotally mounted swinging and folding panels that allow for customizable orientations and stacking configurations, maintaining load-bearing capacity while collapsing, and ensuring access to the interior even when stacked.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional crates are designed to support heavy items with static configuration, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but adaptability to different storage needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidadaptability to different storage needs

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the crate panels movable rather than static. The side panels are configured to pivot between extended storage positions and retracted configurations, allowing the same structure to adapt to different storage capacities and configurations while maintaining load-bearing capability when panels are extended.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The crate is divided into modular panels that can be independently positioned. The side panels are segmented to allow selective extension or retraction, enabling the crate to be customized for different storage needs while maintaining structural integrity through the frame structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If conventional crates are folded to reduce footprint when not in use, then storage space efficiency is improved, but storage capability and strength deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefootprint when not in useVSAvoidstrength for supporting heavy items

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics through pivot mechanisms that allow panels to transition between extended load-bearing configurations and retracted compact configurations. When folded, the panels rotate about pivot points to reduce the overall footprint while maintaining the structural frame that provides strength when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If folding crates contain additional components to maintain strength during folding, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength during foldingVSAvoidcomplexity of folding mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flexible panel structures that can pivot and fold while maintaining structural integrity. The panels are designed as flexible elements that rotate about pivot points, providing the necessary strength during folding operations without requiring complex mechanical reinforcement components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Stability of the object's composition

If conventional crates are locked to each other to prevent falling in stacks, then stacking stability is improved, but adaptability of stacking arrangements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestacking stabilityVSAvoidvariety of stacking arrangements

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The crate design incorporates universal features that allow the same crate to be stacked in multiple configurations. The symmetric design and standardized pivot points enable crates to be stacked vertically, horizontally, or in combination arrangements, providing versatility while maintaining stability through consistent connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

5Stability of the object's composition

If conventional crates are stacked in fixed orientations, then stacking stability is improved, but access to interior spaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestacking stabilityVSAvoidaccess to interior

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling crates to be accessed from multiple orientations. The pivot mechanism allows the crate to be opened from any side depending on how it is stacked, so that even when stacked in stable configurations, the interior remains accessible by rotating the crate to the appropriate orientation before opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11338961B2Systems and methods for customizable storage

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 ISMERT DOMINIC P

AI summary

Implementations disclosed and claimed herein provide a customized storage system. In one implementation, a folding crate movable between a storage position and a collapsed position is provided. The crate may include a first frame end of a crate having a first frame, a second frame end having a second frame disposed opposite the first frame, and a base panel fixed to and extending between the second frame. The crate may include swinging panels that are releasably secured to the second frame when the crate is in a storage position and rotatable about a swinging axis at the first frame to move the crate into a collapsed position. The crate may also include folding panels pivotally mounted to the first frame and the second frame that are foldable along a folding axis when the crate moves into the collapsed position.