Self-Aligning Storage Compartment Bins for Gap-Free Content Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage boxes suffer from contents escaping through gaps in dividers or between the bin and lid, leading to mixing and reduced storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A storage container design featuring removable bins with sidewalls and chamfers that align with the lid's sidewalls, creating a combined storage area to prevent content mixing and increase capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional dividers and bins are used in storage boxes, then contents can be separated into compartments, but gaps in the dividers or between the bin and lid allow parts to escape and intermingle
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is pre-formed with downwardly projecting sidewalls that define second storage areas, creating a preliminary structural framework that guides and constrains the bins into proper alignment before contents are placed. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when bins are inserted, they automatically align with the lid's second storage areas, preventing gaps and content escape.
Solution Approach 2:
The downwardly projecting sidewalls of the lid act as an intermediary element between the bins and the lid's interior space. These sidewalls engage with the bins to provide alignment and confinement, mediating the interaction between the removable bins and the fixed lid structure to prevent content escape while maintaining separation.
2Device complexity
If traditional storage box design is used, then the structure is simple, but the storage capacity is reduced due to gaps and inability to fully utilize space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the vertical dimension by forming downwardly projecting sidewalls in the lid that create second storage areas. This dimensional extension into the lid's thickness allows the bin's first storage area to combine with the lid's second storage area, effectively increasing total storage capacity without significantly complicating the overall structure. The solution adds vertical utilization rather than horizontal complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bins are made removable for flexibility, then adaptability increases, but alignment with the lid becomes difficult causing gaps and content mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The bins are designed to self-align with the lid through the interaction between the bin sidewalls and the lid's downwardly projecting sidewalls. When a bin is placed in the storage box, the lid's projecting sidewalls automatically guide and constrain the bin into the correct position, causing the bin to self-align without requiring external tools or complex alignment mechanisms. This self-aligning feature maintains precision while preserving removability.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of removable bins are positionable in the interior area of the base each of which comprising a bottom surface, a plurality of sidewalls extending upward from the bottom surface to create a first storage area, a chamfer extending upward and outward from each of the sidewalls to be engaged by the lid to move the bin into alignment.