Segmented Container Assembly with Elastic Clip Fasteners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container solutions fail to securely and efficiently transport and store food items and other consumables, as they often become disorganized during transport and are vulnerable to unauthorized access, with existing secure options being costly and inaccessible.

Innovation Solution

A container assembly comprising two identical body portions with elastic clip fasteners for secure attachment, a pivotable door with locking mechanism, and stabilization features for stacking, allowing secure and organized transport and storage while being cost-effective.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional containers are used for transport, then items can be contained, but items become disorganized and vulnerable to unauthorized access during transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity and organization of itemsVSAvoidcontainer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into multiple compartments separated by dividers, allowing different types of items to be organized in separate sections. This segmentation prevents items from moving freely and becoming disorganized during transport, while maintaining a relatively simple overall container structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container features a nested structure with an inner container that can be placed within an outer container. This nesting approach provides secure containment and organization for items while using simple, cost-effective container components rather than complex security mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If locking mechanisms are added to containers, then unauthorized access is prevented, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against unauthorized accessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The container includes pre-positioned securing features such as clips, latches, or friction-fit mechanisms that are integrated into the container structure during manufacturing. These preliminary securing actions prevent unauthorized access without requiring additional expensive locking mechanisms to be added later.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The container uses simple, cost-effective securing mechanisms such as snap-fit clips or friction-based latches that can be manufactured at low cost. These mechanisms provide adequate protection against casual unauthorized access while maintaining affordability and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If items are placed in bags for transport, then items can be carried, but bags slide and fall over during vehicle transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveportability of itemsVSAvoidstability of container during transport

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The container base is designed with a curved or contoured shape that provides inherent stability. The curved bottom surface distributes weight evenly and prevents the container from sliding or tipping over during vehicle transport, while maintaining ease of carrying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The container incorporates high-visibility coloring or reflective elements that make it easily visible during transport. This visual feature helps users locate and secure the container properly, preventing it from being misplaced or falling over, while not affecting the container's portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If refrigerator compartments are used for storage, then items can be separated, but any person with access can remove and consume items

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation of different item typesVSAvoidprotection against unauthorized consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The container includes internal dividers that create separate compartments for different types of items such as groceries, medications, and personal belongings. This segmentation provides organized separation similar to refrigerator compartments while the entire container can be secured with a simple latch or clip mechanism to prevent unauthorized access to any compartment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11919704B1Container assembly for storing food, medicines, electronics, toys, or other consumables or items

Publication Date: 2024.03.05 SAUER MARCUS

AI summary

A container assembly for storing or transporting items, such as food, medicines, electronics, toys, cash, etc., in an organized and secure manner, may include a first body portion and a second body portion forming a main body of the container and defining a container interior. The container interior may be sized and configured to receive and contain items. A plurality of clip fasteners may be provided on the first body portion and the second body portion for securing the second body portion to the first body portion. The container assembly may include a container door, which may be opened and closed to respectively allow or prevent access to the container interior. At least one container securing feature may be provided on the first body portion and/or the second body portion for securing the container assembly in a transport vehicle or a refrigerator, freezer, cooler or other storage receptacle or facility.