Stackable Bin Movable Handles for Stable Stacking and Straight Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage bins require a lateral offset for nesting, leading to angled orientations that complicate shipping and storage arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A stackable storage bin design featuring movable handles and locking elements that allow for nested arrangements without lateral offset, ensuring straight orientation and stability through interlocking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional storage bins are nested with a lateral offset, then nesting capability is achieved, but the nested arrangement leans in the forward direction and requires additional adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing locking elements only on the front wall of the storage bin, while the corresponding receiving structures are only on the rear wall. This asymmetric configuration enables vertical nesting without lateral offset, eliminating the leaning problem of conventional symmetric designs while maintaining nesting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs movable handles that can transition between opened and closed positions, allowing the bin to adapt dynamically between stacked and nested configurations. This dynamic mechanism enables the bin to achieve both stacking and nesting functions without requiring additional adjustments during shipping
2Stability of the object's composition
If storage bins are designed for stable stacking, then stacking stability is improved, but nesting capability is compromised due to lateral offset requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by designing a universal interface system where the same bin structure can perform both stacking and nesting functions. The movable handles and locking elements enable the bin to stably stack when handles are closed, while the same structures allow nesting when handles are opened, eliminating the need to compromise either function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the handling function into two distinct modes: the movable handles serve as support surfaces for stable stacking when closed, and as releasing mechanisms for nesting when opened. This segmentation allows the bin to achieve both stacking stability and nesting capability through the same structural elements
3Ease of operation
If movable handles are used for both stacking and nesting, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the movable handles: they serve as both the support surface for stacking and the releasing mechanism for nesting. By combining these functions into a single movable component rather than separate mechanisms, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements and receiving structures are designed to automatically engage and disengage through the natural movement of the handles. When handles are closed, locking elements automatically lock into receiving structures for stable stacking; when handles are opened, they automatically release for nesting. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional controls or complex actuation systems
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a first storage bin having a main body with a base wall, side walls, a rear wall, and a front wall defining an open top, a partly open front, and a rim with built-in handles. Each side wall has an inner surface with a platform and an outer surface with a channel. The platform has a stacking surface adjacent to the rim. The bin also includes a movable handle attached to the rim, which is movably connected to the main body. The flip handle can be in an opened position, allowing stacking of the first storage bin with a second storage bin, or in a closed position, allowing nesting of the first storage bin with the second storage bin, without any lateral offset between the first and second storage bins so that there is no lean in either the stacked or nested arrangements.