Stackable Container Intermediate Cover Prevents Soiling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stackable container systems often result in the base of one container coming into contact with the contents or becoming wet due to condensation, leading to soiling issues when storing or transporting food, as the base also serves as a cover for the container below.
Innovation Solution
A stackable container system featuring an intermediate cover with holding and locking elements that can be snapped onto both the rim and the upper side of a container, allowing for stable stacking while preventing the container bottom from soiling, as the intermediate cover protects the bottom from the contents and condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If containers are stacked directly on top of one another to save space, then storage efficiency is improved, but the container base comes into contact with contents and condensation causing soiling
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate cover element is introduced between the stacked containers to act as a protective barrier. This cover has a first engagement element that connects to the upper container and a second engagement element that connects to the lower container, preventing direct contact between the lower container base and the contents/condensation of the upper container.
2Stability of the object's composition
If containers are stacked with direct contact to form a stable stack, then structural stability is improved, but handling and access to individual containers becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into separate engagement elements: a first engagement element on the cover for connecting to the upper container, and a second engagement element on the cover for connecting to the lower container. This segmentation allows the cover to act as an independent intermediate component that maintains stack stability while enabling easy attachment and detachment of individual containers.
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
Enables secure, space-saving storage and transport by maintaining the stack's stability while preventing the container bottom from soiling, allowing for easy access and handling without transferring condensation or food residue to the storage surface.
Implementation Method 1
the elastically deformable retaining elements are formed by tabs firmly attached to the shell, which have an inwardly oriented snap hook which engages behind the latching element of the container arranged underneath and thereby produces a snap fit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The container stacking system has open-topped containers (1,2) that are arranged one above the another. The lids (3,4) are provided to cover the open-topped containers respectively. The holder elements (12,13) and locking elements (16) are provided in peripheral wall surfaces (8,9) of the containers respectively. The retaining elements (18) and latching elements (21) are provided in lids respectively for establishing releasable latching connection with containers.