Stackable Bulk Container With Sloped Drain And Reinforced Lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intermediate bulk containers suffer from poor drainage, structural weaknesses that limit stacking loads and storage capacity, and lids that are time-consuming to install or remove, and are prone to displacement under extreme conditions.
Innovation Solution
A stackable container system with a receptacle design featuring a bottom with sloping floor sections and a drain, a valve assembly with a ball valve for efficient drainage, and a lid configuration that allows for quick coupling and secure stacking, using high-density polyethylene materials for durability and UV resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional bulk containers are designed for stacking, then stacking capability is provided, but structural weaknesses limit stacking loads and storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into modular components including a receptacle, lid, and pallet that can be assembled and stacked. The receptacle is further segmented with integrated features like spouts, handles, and reinforcement ribs that distribute stacking loads across multiple structural points rather than concentrating stress at single weak points.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement ribs are strategically positioned at critical stress points on the receptacle walls and bottom to locally strengthen the structure where stacking loads are most concentrated. The lid and pallet interfaces are designed with localized reinforcement features that provide extra structural support precisely where needed during stacking operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional bulk containers are designed with continuous wall construction, then manufacturing is simplified, but drainage performance is poor due to low spots restricting complete drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is pre-formed with integrated drainage features including spouts and channel structures molded into the bottom and wall sections during the manufacturing process. These drainage pathways are built-in from the start, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing modifications while ensuring complete drainage capability without compromising the ease of single-step molding production.
3Reliability
If conventional bulk container lids are designed for secure closure, then containment is improved, but lid installation and removal become time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly is segmented into a lid body and integrated handling features including protruding handles and alignment ribs. The receptacle corresponds with recesses and engagement features that allow the lid to be quickly snapped into place and removed without requiring tools or complex manipulation, while still providing secure containment when closed.
4Volume of stationary object
If conventional bulk containers are designed for stacking, then storage capacity is increased, but structural weaknesses unduly limit the stacking loads
Solution Approach 1:
The lid and pallet are merged into a unified stacking interface system where the lid protrusions engage with recesses in the receptacle, and the pallet integrates with the receptacle bottom features. This combined design creates a unified structural system that maximizes storage capacity while distributing stacking loads across the entire interface rather than at single weak points, enabling higher stacking loads.
Data Source
AI summary
A stackable container system is configured to provide stacked receptacles for receiving bulk material therein. The stackable container system includes a first receptacle configured to provide a respective stacked receptacle. The first receptacle includes a receptable bottom, a receptable top, and a receptacle side extending along an upright container axis between the receptacle bottom and top, with the first receptacle presenting a container chamber. The receptacle top is configured to at least partly support another one of the stacked receptacles stacked relative thereto along the upright container axis. The receptacle top and the receptacle side have, respectively, a top peripheral margin and a side peripheral margin that extend laterally about the upright container axis, with at least part of the top peripheral margin being laterally outboard of the side peripheral margin. At least part of the top peripheral margin is interconnected to the side peripheral margin along a transition section that extends laterally between the receptacle top and the receptacle side.