Modular container holder with collapsible basket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage racks and shelves are inflexible and inefficient for storing containers of diverse shapes and sizes, as they cannot be easily reconfigured, obstruct each other when stacked, and occupy significant space, making them unsuitable for dynamic storage needs.
Innovation Solution
A modular, collapsible container holder with a magnet mounting system that can be detachably secured to a ferrous surface, featuring a tilting basket portion to prevent obstruction and a friction element to prevent sliding, allowing for flexible alignment and stacking without obstructing the insertion or removal of containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional racks and shelves are used to store containers, then storage capacity is provided, but the structure cannot be reconfigured or expanded to suit changing storage needs
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into discrete modular units (holders with backing panels and basket portions) that can be independently configured, removed, and repositioned. Each unit functions as a self-contained module that can be combined with others in various arrangements, enabling reconfiguration without requiring complex structural changes to the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed, static structure to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The magnet mounting means allows holders to be easily attached and detached from the mounting surface, while the collapsible basket portion enables the structure to change its spatial footprint, providing adaptability to changing storage requirements.
2Productivity
If multiple holders are vertically stacked to increase storage capacity, then space utilization improves, but the basket portions obstruct each other and prevent easy insertion or removal of containers
Solution Approach 1:
The basket portion is designed to tilt forwardly away from the backing panel when a container is inserted or removed. This dynamic movement creates temporary clearance between vertically stacked holders, allowing easy access to containers in lower holders without obstruction from upper basket portions, while maintaining vertical stacking capability for increased storage capacity.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional shelves occupy significant space to provide storage, then storage capacity is achieved, but the space requirement makes them difficult to store when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The basket portion can be collapsed to a compact state when not in use, dramatically reducing the volume occupied by the holder. This collapsible feature allows the storage system to transition between an expanded state providing maximum storage capacity and a compressed state for easy storage in small spaces or for packaging during shipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible basket portion allows the holder to nest into a compact form factor. When collapsed, the basket portion retracts against the backing panel, creating a streamlined profile that minimizes the space required for storage or packaging, similar to how nested dolls reduce to a compact form.
4Adaptability or versatility
If repositionable holders are designed to hold specific container shapes, then holding capability is optimized, but the holders become unsuitable for storing collections of containers with diverse shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The holder design with its open basket portion and adjustable features serves multiple functions: it can accommodate containers of various shapes and sizes, tilt to facilitate access, collapse for storage, and attach to magnetic surfaces. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for specialized holders for different container types, providing universal compatibility across diverse storage needs.
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 modular holder efficiently stores containers of varying sizes and shapes, reduces storage and packaging requirements by collapsing, and ensures consistent alignment, optimizing space usage and ease of access when stacked.
Implementation Method 1
the backing panel has a magnet mounting means adapted to detachably secure a modular container holder upon the vertical mounting surface
Implementation Method 2
a friction element positioned upon the rear face of the backing panel, which is adapted to frictionally engage the vertical mounting surface to prevent the modular container holder from sliding downwardly
Data Source
AI summary
A modular container holder comprising a backing panel and a collapsible basket portion, the backing panel has a magnetic mounting means adapted to detachably secure the modular container holder to a vertical mounting surface, the basket portion projects forwardly from the backing panel and is adapted to receive and retain a container. The basket portion has a plurality of movable basket elements which allow the basket portion to be alternatively placed in an assembled state to receive the container, and a collapsed state which reduces the amount of space occupied by the modular container holder. A contiguous modular arrangement of multiple modular containers positioned in column or row configurations allows multiple containers to be stored, while the basket portion is tilted forwardly to prevent the obstruction of basket openings when the modular container holders are vertically stacked in the column configuration.