Molded Nonwoven Box With Rigid Bracket For Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crates made of molded fleece lack stability and aesthetic appeal, particularly in terms of dimensional stability and appearance, which limits their functionality and usability in work environments.

Innovation Solution

A U-shaped bracket made of metal or wood is attached to the outside of the crate's side walls, encompassing the bottom and side walls, providing stability and a high-quality appearance while maintaining the pleasant feel and design options of the molded fleece.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the box is made entirely of molded nonwoven fabric, then it has pleasant feel and wide range of color options, but it lacks dimensional stability and structural strength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic value and material propertiesVSAvoiddimensional stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The box combines molded nonwoven fabric (providing aesthetic value, pleasant feel, and color variety) with a rigid frame made of wood or metal (providing dimensional stability and structural strength). This composite structure allows each material to contribute its superior properties, resolving the contradiction between aesthetic qualities and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid frame is added to provide stability, then dimensional stability improves, but the pleasant feel and aesthetic value of molded fleece may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional stabilityVSAvoidaesthetic value and material properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid frame is strategically positioned only at critical structural locations (edges and corners) where dimensional stability is most needed, while the majority of the box surface remains covered with molded nonwoven fabric to maintain its pleasant feel and aesthetic value. This localized application of rigidity resolves the contradiction by providing stability only where necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If the frame is permanently attached to the box, then structural stability is maximized, but adaptability and ease of repair are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddetachability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the frame and the box is designed to be dynamic rather than static - allowing the frame to be detachably connected via interlocking elements or fasteners. This enables the box to transition between a stable assembled state and a disassembled state for shipping, storage, or repair, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3628607B1Box made from formed non-woven fabric
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 HAEFELE SE & CO KG
  • EP3628607B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~3
  • EP3628607B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~7b
  • EP3628607B1 patent drawingFigure 8

AI summary

In a box (1) made of molded nonwoven fabric, in particular of felt, with a box base (2) and with several box side walls (3, 4), the invention provides that a bracket (5), in particular U-shaped, made of a more dimensionally stable material than molded nonwoven fabric, which is attached or pushed onto two opposing box side walls (3), surrounds the box base (2) and the two opposing box side walls (3) on the outside and rests against them in a flat area.