Modular Storage Containers With Interlocking Corner Bosses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stackable trays and cases for medical and dental devices lack a modular construction that allows for flexible stacking and conversion into trays of increased depth, limiting their versatility and rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage container design featuring interlocking components, including pivot latches, slide latches, and unique corner members with rivet holes and bosses, enabling trays to be stacked and converted into deeper configurations while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If trays are constructed with modular components for flexible stacking, then versatility is improved, but structural rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is divided into modular components including corner members, side walls, end walls, and floors that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The corner members are specifically designed with integrated rivet holes and bosses that segment the connection function, allowing for modular assembly while maintaining structural integrity through standardized interface designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner members merge multiple functions into a single component: structural support, alignment, and connection. By integrating the rivet holes and bosses directly into the corner member structure, the design combines the corner support function with the fastening function, ensuring that modular assembly does not compromise overall structural rigidity.
2Ease of manufacture
If corner members have integrated rivet holes and bosses for modular assembly, then ease of manufacture is improved, but connection strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rivet holes and bosses are pre-integrated into the corner member structure during manufacturing. This preliminary action of incorporating connection features directly into the corner members during fabrication allows for rapid assembly without requiring additional steps, while the pre-formed rivet holes and bosses ensure proper alignment and maximum connection strength when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner members utilize composite construction combining the corner support structure with integrated metallic rivet holes and bosses. This composite approach integrates different functional elements (structural support and fastening) into a single multi-functional component, achieving both ease of manufacture through standardized interfaces and connection strength through robust integrated features.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular storage container for articles according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a floor panel, a plurality of stackable side walls constructed and arranged to be connectable to the floor panel, a plurality of stackable end walls constructed and arranged to be connectable to the floor panel, and a plurality of stackable corner members constructed and arranged to be connectable adjacent one edge to a side wall and adjacent an opposite edge to an end wall, wherein each side wall and each end wall defining a wall end opening and each corner member having a mounting hole surrounded by a cylindrical boss, each cylindrical boss being constructed and arranged to fit within a corresponding wall end opening.