Stackable Container Base Plank Weight Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stackable containers face resistance and stability issues when subjected to high weights, leading to potential breakage or collapse during stacking, as the weight distribution is not homogeneous and the assembly is not adequately reinforced.
Innovation Solution
The container design incorporates projections and notches on the front and side panels, along with point support feet and base planks, which facilitate uniform weight distribution and enhance stability by ensuring precise alignment and anchoring, preventing accidental disassembly and deformation during lateral compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional containers are stacked with high weights, then the stacking capacity is increased, but the resistance and stability of the container assembly deteriorates leading to breakage or collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into modular components (bottom, front panels, side panels) that can be assembled and stacked independently. Each component has standardized edges that interface with corresponding components of other containers, allowing the stacking capacity to increase while maintaining structural integrity through modular repetition rather than monolithic construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Different edges of the container components are given different structural characteristics. The front panels have reinforced front edges, the side panels have reinforced side edges, and the bottom has reinforced corners. This localized reinforcement ensures that each component can bear appropriate loads in its specific position within the stack, improving overall resistance to elevated weights.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional containers are stacked with high weights, then the stacking capacity is increased, but the stability of the container assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container components are designed with nested fitting mechanisms where protruding edges of one container fit into recessed edges of the container below it. This nesting creates interlocking joints that stabilize the assembly, allowing multiple containers to be stacked securely without lateral shifting or collapse.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization mechanism extends from simple vertical stacking to multi-dimensional interlocking. The perpendicular edges (front and side panels) create cross-dimensional constraints that prevent lateral movement and rotation, transforming the stacking from a one-dimensional vertical arrangement to a three-dimensional interlocked structure.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional containers are designed for stacking, then the stacking capacity is improved, but the weight distribution becomes non-homogeneous causing stress concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The container components feature asymmetric edge designs where the distribution of material and reinforcement varies around the perimeter. The bottom has heavier corner reinforcements, the front panels have different reinforcement patterns compared to side panels. This asymmetric design naturally distributes stresses more evenly throughout the stack by placing reinforcement where loads are most concentrated rather than using uniform construction.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional containers use simple assembly structures, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of the container assembly deteriorates under high weights
Solution Approach 1:
The container components are pre-formed with integrated reinforcement elements and edge profiles during the manufacturing process. The protruding and recessed edges, along with corner reinforcements, are built into the components before assembly. This preliminary action ensures high reliability under load while maintaining ease of manufacture, as the reinforcement is incorporated during production rather than requiring complex assembly operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a stackable container that includes a lower part, base or bottom (1), two long lateral walls or side panels (2) and two short lateral walls or front panels (3) that include a flat element that can consist of two end base planks (10), of two pairs of cornered base planks (10') or one complete base plank (10") shaped such that when a plurality of containers are stacked, the bottom of an upper container (1) rests on the flat element (10, 10', 10") of a lower container. The flat element (10, 10', 10") acts as a support surface for an upper container when it is stacked and as a reinforcement of the container structure, giving it strength and avoiding breakage during stacking.