Container, assemblies, and methods for operating the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers and assemblies lack enhanced performance and cost-effectiveness, with a need for improved designs that optimize functionality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a base portion and a support portion with removably-connected panels and members, allowing for stowed and deployed orientations, and incorporating a docking station with a floor-engaging mobile device for efficient item support and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the support portion is made removably-connected to the base portion to enable stowed and deployed orientations, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two main segments: a base portion and a support portion. The support portion can be separated from the base portion, allowing it to be stored within the base portion when not in use. This segmentation enables the container to transition between a compact single-unit configuration and a deployed two-unit configuration, directly resolving the contradiction by providing adaptability through structural division.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion is designed to nest within the base portion when in the stowed orientation. The base portion includes a cavity that receives and stores the support portion, creating a nested configuration. This nesting principle allows the container to maintain a compact form factor while preserving the ability to deploy the support portion when needed, thus improving adaptability without permanently increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the support portion is made slidably-connected to allow easy deployment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the base portion and support portion transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic slidable connection. The base portion includes a cavity with a front opening, and the support portion can slide in and out of this cavity. This dynamic connection allows easy deployment and stowing operations while maintaining reliability through the physical constraints of the cavity structure that guides and limits the sliding motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A container is disclosed. The container includes a base portion and a support portion removably-connected to the base portion. Each of the base portion and the support portion includes a plurality of panels and members. Some of the plurality of panels and members of the base portion forms at least one cavity. The at least one cavity defines a first cavity portion in fluid communication with a second cavity portion. The support portion is arrangable in one of: a stowed orientation within the first cavity portion of the at least one cavity of the base portion; and a deployed orientation outside of the second cavity portion of the at least one cavity of the base portion. An assembly is also disclosed. The assembly includes the container and at least one item supported by the support portion of the container.