Roll container and logistics system comprising the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelved roll containers, such as those used in florist shops, face challenges in accommodating narrow spaces and require features that allow for water drainage while preventing soil spillage, and existing solutions do not efficiently facilitate easy disassembly and stacking for return logistics.
Innovation Solution
A roll container design featuring elongated supports with slots for adjustable shelves, a folding mechanism between the base and supports, and kinked tabs on the shelves for easy installation and tilting, allowing for operational and folded states, and elongated stacking slots for efficient shelf stacking during return logistics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the roll container uses traditional fixed supports, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot be folded for efficient return logistics and occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The supports are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, transitioning from an extended operational position to a folded return position. The folding mechanism allows the supports to move between two stable states, enabling the container to adapt its volume for different logistical phases without adding permanent structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into separable segments connected by folding joints. This segmentation allows each support to be independently folded and stacked, maximizing volumetric efficiency during return logistics while maintaining structural integrity during operational use
2Productivity
If the roll container requires disassembly for return logistics, then the structure can be compacted efficiently, but the operation becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism enables automatic or semi-automatic transformation of the container from operational to return configuration through simple mechanical motion. This dynamic transformation eliminates the need for manual disassembly operations, significantly improving return logistics productivity while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism integrates multiple functions into a single structural feature: it enables both the operational configuration and the return logistics configuration without requiring separate disassembly steps. The mechanism combines support function, folding function, and stacking function into one unified system
3Area of stationary object
If the roll container is designed for narrow spaces, then it fits better in florist shops, but the supports cannot be folded parallel to the base for efficient stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The supports incorporate a folding mechanism that allows them to transition from an extended position (optimizing footprint for narrow spaces) to a folded position (extending parallel to the base for efficient stacking). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between minimizing footprint area and maximizing stacking volume efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A novel logistics system is disclosed involving a roll container (100) with a base (110) and two elongated supports (120) that are supported by the base (110). The supports each have a plurality of individual slots (122) provided in a spaced apart configuration along the supports (120) for receiving a tab (133, 134) of a respective plurality of shelves (130) in a spaced apart configuration. The roll container may further include a folding mechanism between the base and the supports for turning the supports between an operational state and a folded state. In the operational state of the roll container the supports extend transversally in respect to the base. In the folded state of the roll container the supports extend parallel to the base.