Stackable Bucket Lid and Handle Structure for Multi-Bucket Carrying
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buckets with swing handles are difficult to carry multiple empty buckets stacked together, as the handle is often too short to lift the upper bucket, and lids are cumbersome to remove and provide inadequate support for stacked weight.
Innovation Solution
A bucket design featuring a circumferential apron with enlarged portions and handle members, reinforced with radial fins, and a lid with stabilizers, allowing for secure stacking and transport of multiple buckets using a single swing handle, and providing structural support and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If buckets are stacked with lids to protect contents, then storage stability is improved, but the lid becomes difficult to remove and causes injury to fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into a main body and an integrated carry handle, allowing the lid to be easily gripped and removed. The handle provides a safe distance for finger placement while maintaining the sealing function of the lid body.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated carry handle acts as an intermediary between the user's hand and the lid body, allowing force application for lid removal without direct contact with the rim that causes injury. The handle transmits the removal force while protecting fingers.
2Ease of operation
If a swing handle is provided for carrying a single bucket, then portability is improved, but the handle is too short to lift multiple stacked buckets
Solution Approach 1:
The swing handle serves multiple functions: it can carry a single bucket by its standard function, and it can also serve as one of the attachment points for coupling multiple buckets together when combined with the handle members and fasteners, enabling it to function as part of a multi-bucket carrying system.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-dimension carrying approach (one handle on one bucket) to a multi-dimensional coupling system where handle members at diametrically opposite positions on the apron create additional attachment points, enabling vertical stacking and horizontal coupling capabilities.
3Strength
If lids are made with solid construction to support stacked weight, then stacking strength is improved, but the lid becomes difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The lid structure is segmented to include an integrated carry handle that is molded as part of the lid body. This segmentation provides a dedicated gripping area that maintains the structural integrity of the lid for stacking while enabling easy removal through the handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid exhibits local quality differentiation: the main body maintains solid construction for stacking strength, while the integrated handle provides a localized area optimized for gripping and removal. The handle region has different geometric properties (thinner, more compliant) compared to the rigid sealing flange area.
4Adaptability or versatility
If handle members are added to the apron for coupling buckets, then multi-bucket transport capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle members are merged with the apron structure during the injection molding process, creating an integrated component rather than separate parts. The handle members are formed as extensions of the apron with built-in through-holes, eliminating the need for separate attachment hardware and reducing assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle members serve multiple functions: they reinforce the apron structure, provide attachment points for fasteners, and enable coupling of multiple buckets for transport. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural elements by providing versatility without requiring separate components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A bucket configured for nesting with other buckets when empty or stacking with other buckets when lidded, includes a bottom wall and a side wall with circumferential flanges and a circumferential apron for structural reinforcement. The circumferential apron has enlarged portions at locations of attachment of a swing handle and also adjoins with a pair of handles at diametrically opposite positions, each handle including a through-hole for receiving a tensile fastener for coupling the bucket with other empty buckets nested therewith in allowing the coupled buckets to be transported by use of the swing handle of the uppermost bucket. A lid is provided with stabilizers that help stabilize buckets stacked above from lateral movement.