Stackable Container Centering via Angled Rim and Beveled Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stackable containers often destabilize and tip over during transportation and conveyor operations due to vibrations, as they do not maintain proper alignment and centering, leading to lateral displacement and potential collapse.
Innovation Solution
The stackable container design features a base with a beveled underside and an angled inner edge on the side walls, allowing for a specific interaction that enhances lateral tolerance and centering, ensuring the upper container aligns and returns to its proper position even under shock and vibration, with the inner edge angle between 60-80° and the bevel angle between 30-50°, promoting stability and secure stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If containers are designed with simple flat stacking edges for easy manufacturing, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but lateral stability during transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved surfaces by providing angled inner edges on the upper stacking edges and corresponding angled outer edges on the base. These angled surfaces replace simple flat edges, creating curved interaction surfaces that guide lateral centering while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard molding techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the stacking interface by introducing specific angles (60-80° for inner edges, 30-50° for outer edges). These parameter modifications transform the stacking interface from a simple flat contact to an angled interaction surface that provides both centering force and lateral stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If steep angles are used on both inner and outer edges to prevent lateral displacement, then centering precision is improved, but lateral tolerance range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different angle characteristics to different locations: steeper angles (60-80°) on inner edges for precise centering, and shallower angles (30-50°) on outer edges for tolerance. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally while working together as a system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates asymmetric angle configurations where the inner edge angles differ from the outer edge angles. This asymmetry is functional: the steeper inner edges provide strong centering force while the shallower outer edges provide tolerance, and the combination resolves the contradiction between precision and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flat angles are used on both edges to increase lateral tolerance, then adaptability is improved, but centering precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different angle characteristics to different locations: steeper angles (60-80°) on inner edges for precise centering, and shallower angles (30-50°) on outer edges for tolerance. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally while working together as a system.
4Stability of the object's composition
If containers are stacked with minimal lateral play for stability, then stacking stability is improved, but vulnerability to vibration-induced jumping deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The angled inner and outer edges create curved interaction surfaces that guide the containers during vibration. When vibration causes lateral displacement, the curved surfaces provide a guiding action that returns the containers to proper alignment, preventing jump-out while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of vibration-induced lateral movement into a beneficial centering action. The angled surfaces are designed so that vibration forces naturally push the containers onto the angled surfaces, which then guide them back to proper alignment, transforming vibration from a destabilizing force to a self-centering mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design ensures that the containers remain securely stacked and centered during transportation and conveyor operations, eliminating the need for additional centering measures, as the angled edges interact to maintain alignment and prevent lateral displacement, thus preventing the entire stack from tipping over.
Implementation Method 1
the inner edge angle of the top edge of the stack is steeper, preferably much steeper (relative to the horizontal plane of the container or the bottom plane) than the inclination angle of the step on the underside of the bottom
Implementation Method 2
if the two slopes or centering aids each have a relatively flat angle, this results in greater lateral play, but it is possible that with flat slopes or edges the upper container, when it jumps out, does not slide back into the lower container due to friction
Data Source
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AI summary
A stackable container (2) has a base (4) and side walls (6) connected to each other and to the base, with a flat or base-parallel upper stacking rim (14). The container has a step (32) on its underside between the side walls and the base, with a lower base support surface. When identical or compatible containers are stacked on top of each other, the base of the container dips into the opening of the container stacked below. The upper stacking rim has an angled inner edge, at least partially, preferably around its entire circumference. The step (32) is chamfered between the side walls and the base, at least partially, preferably around its entire circumference, with the angle of the inner edge of the upper stacking rim being steeper than the angle of the chamfer of the step on the underside of the base.