Sidewall Mountable Elevating Assemblies for Polymeric Crates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current polymeric crate systems lack effective methods for elevating sidewalls, which limits their volumetric capacity and structural stability, particularly in folding and stackable configurations.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a sidewall mountable elevating assembly with elongated rectangular members and fasteners that are vertically or laterally insertable into apertures on the polymeric crate sidewalls, allowing for interlocking terminal portions to secure the assembly, enhancing the crate's height and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If sidewalls are elevated using prior art connecting elements, then volumetric capacity increases, but device complexity increases due to multiple connecting elements and latching mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolumetric capacityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the elevating function and the connecting function into a single integrated sidewall assembly. The sidewall element itself is formed as an integral part of the elevating structure, eliminating the need for separate connecting elements and latching mechanisms while still achieving the desired volume increase through the elevated sidewall configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sidewall assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables elevation of the crate body, and integrates the connecting functionality directly into the sidewall element. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If folding box frame elements are used to increase volume, then volumetric capacity increases, but ease of manufacture decreases due to complex assembly requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolumetric capacityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the elevating structure into discrete sidewall elements that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. Each sidewall element is a self-contained component with integrated connecting features, allowing for simplified manufacturing processes while still achieving the elevated volume configuration when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By combining the sidewall and elevating structure into a single integrated element, the patent eliminates the need for complex assembly operations involving multiple separate components. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the volumetric capacity enhancement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If attachment elements are folded up to increase capacity, then volumetric capacity increases, but stability decreases due to protruding elements and complex folding mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolumetric capacityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the attachment elements directly into the sidewall structure, eliminating separate folding mechanisms. The sidewall assembly itself forms the elevated structure when deployed, providing a stable integrated configuration rather than protruding folding elements that compromise structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having separate attachment elements fold up to create elevation, the patent inverts the approach by having the sidewall itself be formed as the elevating structure. This inversion provides inherent stability while achieving the same volumetric capacity enhancement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12187486B2Systems methods and respective kit-of-parts for elevating polymeric crates by sidewall mountable assemblies

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 PLASGAD PLASTIC PRODS ACS LTD

AI summary

A system for elevating polymeric crates with mounted sidewall assembly is described; a respective method of elevating polymeric crates with sidewall mountable assemblies and a kit-of-parts implementable for elevating polymeric crates with sidewall mountable assemblies are further described; the system comprises: a polymeric crate comprising a pair of longitudinal sidewalls and a pair of flanking sidewalls, at least one sidewall mountable elevating assembly comprising a pair of longitudinal members and a pair of flanking members; the method comprises: providing polymeric crate, providing pair of longitudinal members, providing pair of flanking members, mounting flanking members on polymeric crate, mounting longitudinal members on polymeric crate, assembling flanking members to longitudinal members; the kit-of-parts comprises: at least a pair of longitudinal members and at least a pair of flanking members.