Multi-bottle Container Bottom Slots for Crate Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-bottle containers, such as six-packs, are prone to falling and breaking during transport due to improper handling, and generate noise that can lead to breakage, as they are not adequately supported by quill-based bottle crates, which lack side support members.
Innovation Solution
The bottom of multi-bottle packs is designed with elongated slots on the sides of each bottle placement space, allowing support members to engage eccentrically, providing lateral support and reducing noise by keeping bottles at a distance from each other, thereby enhancing stability and noise reduction during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If quills are arranged centrally between four adjacent parking spaces to support multi-bottle containers, then the container can be held in the crate, but the container may fall out during transport if handled improperly and bottles may break
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented from a single central quill system into multiple quills distributed at the corners and sides of each bottle placement space. This segmentation provides distributed support points that prevent the container from falling out during transport while maintaining bottle integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary support mechanism where quills extend not only from the center but also from the sides of each bottle placement space, creating an intermediate support layer that prevents direct contact and potential damage between the container bottom and the central quill system.
2Ease of operation
If bottles are placed loosely in the spaces between quills, then the crate can accommodate individual bottles, but the bottles generate noise and may break due to constant hitting during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning support members at the sides of each bottle placement space before bottles are placed. These support members create predetermined spacing that prevents bottles from moving freely and colliding during transport, thereby eliminating noise and breakage risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing enhanced support specifically at the locations where bottles are placed (side areas of each placement space), rather than uniform support throughout. This localized support structure maintains bottle spacing exactly where needed to prevent collision while allowing easy placement.
3Reliability
If support members are placed on the side of bottle storage spaces instead of centrally, then the container is held better and bottles are kept at a distance, but the container structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing quills that serve multiple functions: they provide central support, extend to the sides for lateral support, and create spacing between bottles. This multi-functional design achieves improved stability without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same support members perform multiple roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the central support function with the side support function into a single integrated quill structure that extends from the center to the sides of each bottle placement space. This combination reduces the need for separate support components while achieving both central and lateral support objectives.
Data Source
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AI summary
In the case of a multi-bottle container, such as six-packs and the like, with a box-shaped outer packaging, the bottom of the container is provided with slots (26) arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the bottom, as well as slots (28) directed transversely to this.