Culinary container storage device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional container storage systems are inefficient due to manufacturing variations in shape and size, leading to difficulties in organizing culinary containers, which often do not nest easily and require impractical reshaping for better stackability. Additionally, existing systems lack durability, reliability, and ease of access, especially in limited kitchen spaces.

Innovation Solution

A modular culinary container storage system comprising storage devices with orthogonal walls and a divider, equipped with fabric components and magnet wells for secure container retention and easy assembly. The system allows for customizable storage solutions that accommodate containers of varying sizes and orientations, promoting efficient use of kitchen space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If containers are stacked to reduce footprint, then storage density is improved, but accessibility deteriorates as users must remove all containers to access bottom pieces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage footprintVSAvoidcontainer accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is divided into multiple independent tiers, each capable of holding containers. This segmentation allows users to access containers on any tier independently without disturbing other tiers, resolving the contradiction between compact storage and easy accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from horizontal stacking to vertical suspension, utilizing the vertical dimension for storage organization. Containers are hung from overhead bars rather than stacked on surfaces, enabling access from the front while maintaining compact vertical footprint.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If containers are designed for specific uses with fixed shapes, then functionality is improved, but stackability deteriorates due to manufacturing variations and incongruent shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer functionalityVSAvoidstackability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system employs universal mounting bars and hooks that can accommodate containers of various shapes, sizes, and functions. The standardized suspension interface works with diverse container types without requiring them to conform to a specific shape, maintaining both functionality and ease of storage.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making containers conform to a standard stackable shape, the invention inverts the approach by providing a standardized suspension structure that adapts to various container shapes. The mounting system remains constant while accommodating diverse container geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Volume of stationary object

If traditional cabinet and drawer spaces are used, then storage capacity is improved, but storage efficiency deteriorates due to haphazard stacking and incongruous container shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidstorage efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cabinet interior is segmented into multiple vertical tiers using adjustable bars and racks. This creates organized storage zones that maximize vertical space utilization while preventing haphazard stacking, thereby improving both capacity and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storage system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements such as movable bars and adaptable racks. This dynamic structure allows optimization of storage configurations based on container dimensions, maximizing space utilization and organizational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The system provides efficient, customizable, and durable storage for culinary containers, enhancing kitchen organization by allowing easy access and maximizing storage space, while accommodating different container shapes and sizes.

Implementation Method 1

one or more magnet wells disposed in each of the left wall and the right wall, the one or more magnet wells sized to accept one or more magnets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4356799B1Culinary container storage device
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 CARAWAY HOME INC
  • EP4356799B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4356799B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4356799B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device may include a left wall (102), a right wall (104), a bottom wall (108), and a rear wall (106), wherein the left wall (102) is disposed orthogonal to the rear wall (106), wherein the right wall (104) is disposed orthogonal to the rear wall (106), wherein the rear wall (106) is disposed orthogonal to the bottom wall (108), wherein the left wall (102) is disposed orthogonal to the bottom wall (108), and wherein the right wall (104) is disposed orthogonal to the bottom wall (108). A device may include a divider (110) in contact with the rear wall (106) and the bottom wall (108), the divider (110) disposed in parallel to the left wall (102) and the right wall (104). A device may include a left pocket (112) and a right pocket (114). A device may include one or more magnet wells (138) disposed in each of the left wall (102) and the right wall (104), the one or more magnet wells (138) sized to accept one or more magnets (136).