Nested Storage Bin Lid Structure for Uniform Tempering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage solutions for items like pizza dough lack efficient temperature uniformity and space optimization, particularly in environments where multiple items need to be tempered quickly and uniformly.
Innovation Solution
A stadium-shaped storage bin with a lid featuring a raised top-hat design and a skirt, allowing nested stacking and airflow underneath, which promotes consistent tempering and prevents condensation entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If storage bins are stacked traditionally without nested design, then stacking is simpler, but storage space optimization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bin features legs that extend downward from the bottom surface, designed to nest within the raised top-hat portion of bins stacked above. This nested configuration allows multiple bins to be vertically stacked in a space-efficient manner, maximizing storage volume while maintaining structural stability through the interlocking leg-to-top-hat geometry.
2Reliability
If lid is designed without raised top-hat portion, then manufacturing is simpler, but stacking stability and condensation prevention are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lid incorporates a raised top-hat portion centered on its upper surface, which receives and stabilizes the legs of bins stacked above. This raised structure creates a secure nested fit that prevents lateral shifting and ensures stable vertical stacking, while the skirt portion extends downward to seal against the bin body and prevent condensation ingress.
3Productivity
If bins are stacked without nested leg design, then assembly is easier, but space utilization and secure stacking are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The leg structure extending from the bin bottom is designed to fit precisely within the raised top-hat portion of the lid and stacked bins. This nested geometry provides inherent alignment guides that facilitate straightforward assembly while achieving compact vertical stacking and maximizing storage space utilization through optimized bin footprint arrangement.
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
Facilitates uniform tempering of multiple items by enhancing airflow and preventing condensation, while optimizing storage space and ensuring secure stacking and easy handling.
Implementation Method 1
the legs of the bin and raised top-hat portion of the lid are sized so that the legs nest about the raised top-hat portion of the lid when the bin is placed on the lid
Implementation Method 2
a skirt about an outer edge of the lid. The lid sized such that the skirt extends over the outer wall of the bin when the lid is placed on the bin
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system is provided that includes a stadium shaped bin having a bottom and an outer wall adjacent and extending from an outer edge of the bottom. The bottom and the outer wall defining an inner storage area. The bin having a plurality of legs located on a lower side of the bottom of the bin. The storage system further includes a lid having a raised top-hat portion about an upper surface and a skirt about an outer edge of the lid. The lid sized such that the skirt extends over the outer wall of the bin when the lid is placed on the bin, wherein the legs of the bin and raised top-hat portion of the lid are sized so that the legs nest about the raised top-hat portion of the lid when the bin is placed on the lid.