Movable Side Walls for Adjustable Storage Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport and storage devices often have dimensions that do not correspond to multiples of the items they store, making automatic filling and removal challenging, and require complex sensor systems or multiple positioning masks, which are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A transport and storage device with movable devices on adjacent side surfaces that secure receptacle positions, allowing for adjustable volume and frictional force to prevent slipping, using materials like rubber or plastic for enhanced friction, and an actuating element for easy insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the dimensions of the transport and storage device are fixed to match multiple of item dimensions, then automated filling and removal become feasible, but the device loses adaptability to different item sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls are made movable rather than fixed, allowing the internal dimensions of the transport and storage device to dynamically adapt to different item sizes. The side walls can be shifted between at least two different positions, transforming the device from a static to a dynamic structure that automatically adjusts its configuration based on the items being stored or transported.
2Extent of automation
If sophisticated sensors and control units are used to determine content positions, then automated removal becomes possible, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device structure itself performs the positioning function through its movable side walls that create defined compartments. Instead of requiring external sensors and control systems to detect and determine item positions, the physical structure actively defines and maintains these positions through its configurable geometry, making the system self-sufficient for automated operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple positioning masks are produced for different item sizes, then precise positioning is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single transport and storage device with movable side walls serves multiple functions and accommodates multiple item sizes without requiring different positioning masks. The universal design allows the same device structure to be reconfigured for different items, eliminating the need to manufacture and manage multiple specialized positioning components for different item dimensions.
4Ease of manufacture
If the transport and storage device is designed as a simple storage box, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but automated filling and removal become challenging when dimensions don't match item multiples
Solution Approach 1:
The simple storage box design is enhanced with movable side walls that can be shifted between at least two different positions. This dynamic modification maintains the basic simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the original design while adding the capability to automatically adapt to different item sizes, thereby enabling automated filling and removal operations without complex additional components.
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
Enables cost-effective and simple production of transport and storage devices that can adapt to various item sizes, ensuring secure positioning and easy handling of items during transport and storage without the need for complex sensors or multiple positioning masks.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for adjustable volume and frictional force to prevent slipping
Data Source
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AI summary
Device (3) for securing the position of receiving containers (8) arranged in a transport and/or storage device (1), wherein the transport and/or storage device (1) has a top (15) which is at least partially, in particular completely, open, a bottom (4) opposite the top (15), and a lateral boundary (2) via which the top (15) is connected to the bottom (4), wherein the device (3) has a device (23, 36, 37, 38, 41) for movably connecting the device (3) to the lateral boundary (2) of the transport and/or storage device (1) and at least one energy storage device (24, 34, 35) which is configured to space the device (3) away from the lateral boundary (2) of the transport and/or storage device (1) and to exert a force on receiving containers (8) arranged in the transport and/or storage device (1).