Portable Container with Convertible Ramp Door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable containers for storing and moving goods are space inefficient, require multiple containers, and involve cumbersome and potentially injurious lifting and maneuvering, especially for those with limited mobility, as they typically have a single compartment and lack features to prevent odor and vermin access.
Innovation Solution
A portable container with multiple compartments, including a lower bin and an upper compartment with a door that converts into a ramp for easy unloading, a track assembly for detachable lower compartment, and auxiliary storage, allowing for space-efficient storage and reduced labor in unloading without lifting, while preventing vermin access and odor leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate containers are used for storing different goods, then storage capacity and organization are improved, but floor space consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested container structure where a lower compartment is positioned inside the footprint of the upper compartment. The lower compartment can be removed and placed on the ground, allowing the upper compartment to be used independently. This nesting arrangement enables two separate storage compartments to occupy the same floor space when both are in use, effectively doubling storage capacity without doubling floor space consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single compartment portable container is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but storage capacity and organization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The portable container is segmented into two distinct compartments: an upper compartment and a lower compartment. The lower compartment is designed as a removable bin that can be extracted from the main container body. This segmentation allows users to store different types of goods in separate compartments, improving organization and storage capacity, while maintaining relative simplicity through modular design.
3Productivity
If the garbage bag must be lifted out of the compartment, then unloading is complete, but user safety and ease of operation deteriorate due to back strain and injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ramp as an intermediary structure that bridges the compartment and the ground. The ramp is configured to receive the open end of the garbage bag and guide its contents to the ground. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for users to lift the heavy garbage bag directly, instead allowing contents to be discharged through the ramp under gravity, significantly reducing back strain and injury risk.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple containers must be moved separately to the curb, then storage organization is maintained, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate due to multiple trips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple storage compartments (upper and lower) into a single integrated portable container unit that can be moved together. The lower compartment is designed to be removable but can remain attached during transport. This merging allows users to load and move multiple types of goods in one trip to the curb, eliminating the need for separate trips for different containers, thereby improving productivity and time efficiency while maintaining storage organization.
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
The solution provides a space-efficient, user-friendly, and injury-reducing portable container that allows for easy unloading of goods without lifting, while maintaining odor and vermin barrier, suitable for various types of materials and improving accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations.
Implementation Method 1
the door is adapted to be a ramp extending from the upper compartment to the surface to permit objects stored in the upper compartment to be slid down the ramp to the surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable container (100) having a frame (110), a wheel assembly (102) for supporting the frame upon a surface (118) to permit the frame to be rolled upon the surface, a lower compartment (108), and an upper compartment (106). The lower compartment may be removably coupled to the frame and may define a first space adapted to store objects. The upper compartment may be coupled to the frame and disposed above the lower compartment. The upper compartment defines a second space adapted to store objects, the upper compartment having a door (120) moveable between a closed position in which the door defines a boundary of the second space and an open position in which the door is adapted to be a ramp extending from the upper compartment to the surface to permit objects stored in the upper compartment to be slid down the ramp to the surface.