Stackable Crate With Oscillating Lateral Wings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stackable crates either cannot be efficiently stacked one on top of the other when full due to the risk of compressing contents or require inconvenient rotation to align properly, and they struggle to be inserted inside each other in minimum volume configuration when empty.
Innovation Solution
A stackable crate design featuring a tapered shape with oscillating lateral wings and hinging means that allow the crate to be easily stacked on top of another without specific direction alignment and inserted inside for minimal volume configuration, utilizing inclined lateral walls and oscillating wings that can be closed for insertion and opened for stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the crate is designed with a tapered shape to be inserted inside another crate in minimum volume configuration, then the volume efficiency is improved, but the crate cannot be disposed one on top of the other when full because the bottom of a crate would be disposed on the contents of the crate below, thus compressing and damaging the products
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral wing is designed to be movable between a first position (open) and a second position (closed), allowing the crate structure to dynamically adapt its configuration based on whether it needs to be stacked or nested, resolving the contradiction between volume efficiency and product protection
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral wall is segmented into a fixed portion and a movable lateral wing portion, allowing independent movement of the wing to transition between stacking and nesting configurations without compromising the overall crate structure or product safety
2Adaptability or versatility
If male elements (ribs) and female elements (grooves) are disposed asymmetrically on two opposite sides of the crate to enable stacking in opposite direction, then the stacking versatility is improved, but the user needs to rotate and dispose the crate according to the position of the lower crate, which is uncomfortable especially when the user has to lift a heavy, cumbersome crate and cannot easily see in which direction the lower crate is disposed
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric arrangement of oscillating lateral wings on opposite sides of the crate creates a configuration where the wings can oscillate independently, providing stacking versatility without requiring rotational alignment, as each wing can be positioned to engage with the corresponding wing on the lower crate regardless of orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating lateral wings automatically align and engage with the lower crate structure through their oscillation movement, eliminating the need for the user to manually rotate or orient the crate, as the wings self-align during the stacking operation
3Stability of the object's composition
If the crate is designed with fixed lateral walls to maintain a stable tapered shape, then the structural stability is improved, but the crate cannot be inserted inside another crate in minimum volume configuration when empty
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral wing transitions from a fixed structure to a movable component that can oscillate between open and closed positions, allowing the crate to maintain structural stability during normal use while enabling compact nesting when the wings are in the closed position
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 secure stacking and efficient space utilization both when full and empty, improving user convenience and practicality by eliminating the need for directional alignment and facilitating easy handling of heavy crates.
Implementation Method 1
hinging means between the oscillating lateral wing and one of said walls
Data Source
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AI summary
The stackable crate (1) of the invention comprises at least one oscillating lateral element (2) and hinging means (M) between the oscillating lateral element (2) and the least one of the walls (10, 11, 12, 13, 14). The hinging means (M) are configured in such a way that the oscillating lateral element (2) can be in a first position, wherein the crate (1) can be inserted in the compartment (15) of a lower crate (1'), and in a second position, wherein it is in divergent position and wherein the crate (1) can be stacked on the lower crate (1').