Portable Container Modular Jacket for Stable Sidewall Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accessories for portable containers, such as five-gallon buckets, often slip or fall off when inverted and prevent the use of lids, and lack versatility in mounting options.
Innovation Solution
A modular accessory system comprising a jacket with interconnected sections and connection members that securely attach to the container sidewall, allowing for various configurations and storage options while maintaining lid functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If accessories are constricted around the outer sidewall of the bucket, then the accessory can be mounted on the bucket, but the accessory tends to slip
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory is divided into multiple modular sections that can be independently configured and attached to different portions of the bucket sidewall. This segmentation allows for more reliable mounting while maintaining ease of operation through flexible configuration options.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable mounting mechanisms that can adapt to different bucket sizes and shapes. The modular sections can be dynamically arranged and repositioned to optimize both stability and accessibility based on specific user needs.
2Reliability
If accessories are draped over the top of the bucket, then the accessory can be mounted on the bucket, but the accessory prevents the use of a lid and may fall off if inverted
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory is segmented into multiple sections that can be attached to the sidewall rather than draped over the top, eliminating interference with lid usage. Each modular section can be independently positioned to provide stable mounting without preventing lid installation or removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory uses connection members as intermediaries to attach to the bucket sidewall, providing a stable mounting interface that does not interfere with lid compatibility. The connection members serve as mediators between the accessory and the bucket, enabling secure attachment while maintaining lid functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single accessory design is used, then the accessory structure is simple, but the accessory lacks versatility in mounting options
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory is divided into multiple modular sections that can be independently configured and combined in different arrangements. This segmentation enables a single accessory system to provide multiple mounting options and configurations, increasing versatility without requiring multiple separate accessory designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular accessory sections are designed with universal connection interfaces that can be attached to various portions of the bucket sidewall. This universality allows the same modular components to serve multiple functions and mounting configurations, achieving versatility through a single integrated accessory system.
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory for use with a portable container includes a jacket configured to extend around at least a portion of the sidewall of the container, the jacket including a plurality of modular sections formed separately and connected together around the at least a portion of the sidewall of the container. The modular sections include a first modular section having extending around a first portion of the sidewall of the container, a second modular section connected to the first modular section and extending around a second portion of the sidewall of the container, and at least one additional modular section extending around a third portion of the sidewall of the container. The first and second modular sections have different structural configurations. The accessory also includes a first connection member connected to the jacket and configured to support the jacket in connection with the container.