Stack Container Asymmetric Rim for Drainage and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stack containers face issues with water accumulation and ingress, impaired stackability due to dirt accumulation on horizontal flanges, and difficulty in cleaning, leading to potential contamination and instability when stacked.
Innovation Solution
The design features complementary inclined surfaces on the top edge and rim of the container, allowing water drainage and easier cleaning, with horizontal corner areas absorbing load and obliquely inclined sections facilitating self-centering and stability, while reinforced ribs enhance structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the top edge and rim are designed with horizontal flange-like edges for stable stacking, then stacking stability is improved, but water accumulation and ingress occurs between stacked containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the top edge and rim with different inclination angles in various areas. Specifically, corner areas have horizontal surfaces for stable stacking, while areas between corners have oblique inclinations for water drainage. This asymmetric design allows the same component to simultaneously achieve both stacking stability and water runoff functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different surface characteristics to different areas of the top edge and rim. Horizontal surfaces are located at corner areas where load-bearing contact is needed, while oblique inclined surfaces are positioned in between corners where water drainage is prioritized. This localized differentiation allows each area to perform its specific function optimally.
2Stability of the object's composition
If horizontal flange-like edges are used for stacking support, then load distribution is improved, but dirt particles accumulate making cleaning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing horizontal surfaces only at corner areas where load-bearing contact is required, while the areas between corners feature oblique inclined surfaces that facilitate easy cleaning by preventing dirt accumulation. This localized approach maintains load distribution functionality while improving cleanability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies asymmetry by creating a mixed surface design where horizontal and oblique surfaces coexist in specific patterns. The horizontal corner areas provide stable contact points for stacking, while the oblique areas between corners allow dirt and water to slide off easily, making the container much easier to clean compared to fully horizontal designs.
3Stability of the object's composition
If full-surface contact between stacked containers is ensured with horizontal edges, then stacking stability is improved, but water and dirt accumulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating horizontal surfaces at corner areas where full-surface contact is most needed for stability, while oblique surfaces are positioned in between corners where water and dirt naturally accumulate. This localized differentiation maintains stacking stability while reducing contamination in the critical between-corner areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing a non-uniform surface pattern on the top edge and rim. Instead of uniformly horizontal surfaces, the design alternates between horizontal corner areas and oblique areas, creating an asymmetric pattern that simultaneously achieves stable stacking contact and effective water-dirt runoff pathways.
4Strength
If material is used for full-faced rim design for stability, then structural strength is improved, but material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating material usage at corner areas where structural strength and load-bearing capacity are most critical, while using less material in the between-corner areas where oblique surfaces provide sufficient functionality with reduced material input. This localized material distribution optimizes the strength-to-material ratio.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a stack container for transporting and storing objects, said container consisting of a rectangular base with side walls rising vertically from the bottom edges, with the top edge of the side walls being designed to be cantilevered outwards as a support surface for the rim of a second identically constructed container which is also cantilevered outwards and surrounds the base, said container being characterized in that the upper side of the top edge of the side walls and the underside of the rim surrounding the base are formed complementary to one another in such a way that, over the extension of the container circumference, partial surfaces of the top edge and the rim are designed differently in their angle of inclination, such that the corner areas of both the top edge and the rim surrounding the base are formed horizontally between two adjacent side walls each, whereas between the corner areas the top edge and the rim are designed at least in parts such that they are obliquely inclined outward and downward at an angle from the level of the horizontal corner area.