Stackable Container Curved Feet and Gloss-Free Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stackable containers for baked products face challenges in un-stacking in 180° configurations, bending issues when fully loaded, and false detection by automated counting systems due to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) materials, which hinder efficiency and accuracy in storage and retrieval processes.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates curved stacking feet and receptacles for easy un-stacking, additional strength projections to prevent bending, and glossy-free surfaces to facilitate sticker removal and accurate automated counting by reducing reflective surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If containers are stacked in a 180° stacking configuration to reduce storage height, then storage space efficiency is improved, but un-stacking becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking feet are designed with a curved surface that allows them to be easily inserted into and removed from the receptacles. The curvature enables a smooth insertion path while maintaining secure stacking, resolving the contradiction between compact storage and easy un-stacking by allowing containers to be quickly separated when needed.
2Quantity of substance
If plastic material is reduced to meet tight size and weight tolerances, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but container strength becomes inadequate to support loaded weight
Solution Approach 1:
Curved surfaces are incorporated into the base and stacking feet structures to distribute mechanical loads more effectively. This curvature design allows the container to support full product weight without requiring additional plastic material, maintaining strength while meeting tight weight tolerances.
3Productivity
If automated sticker removal machines are used to increase efficiency, then productivity is improved, but the flat surfaces of known containers make sticker removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The container surface is designed with specific local characteristics in the sticker placement areas that facilitate easier sticker removal. These localized surface modifications allow automated machines to efficiently remove stickers without requiring changes to the entire container design, improving productivity while maintaining the overall container structure.
4Manufacturing precision
If high gloss HDPE plastic surfaces are used to achieve smooth finish, then manufacturing quality is improved, but false readings occur in photo-detection counting equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The container design incorporates specific surface characteristics in areas that interact with photo-detection equipment. By modifying the surface properties in these localized regions while maintaining smooth finishes elsewhere, the design prevents false readings from the glossy surface while preserving manufacturing quality in critical areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A container for transporting and displaying baked products. The container can be stacked in a 0° and 180° stacking configuration, and when in the former, utilizes stacking feet projections to provide additional strength for carrying heavier products, and to substantially prevent lateral motion of the stacked containers. Further, the containers comprise curved stacking feet and stacking receptacles so that when containers are stacked in the 180° stacking configuration, they can be more easily removed. The containers further include substantially non-glossy, non-smooth areas that allow stickers to be more easily removed, and to reduce errors in counting containers by automated counting equipment.