Stackable Container With Movable Auxiliary Covers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stackable container assemblies are prone to contamination and loss of small parts due to open main openings, making them unsuitable for storing small items effectively.

Innovation Solution

The container assembly features two auxiliary accommodating bodies that can move between a retracted home position and an extended access position, partially uncovering the main opening for access while maintaining spatial orientation, and are equipped with pivotable closing covers to ensure the main opening is closed when not in use, along with locking mechanisms to prevent accidental movement during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the main opening is left open for easy access to contents, then ease of operation is improved, but protection against contamination and loss of small parts deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to contentsVSAvoidcontamination and loss of small parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The container opening is segmented into a main opening and auxiliary openings that can be independently covered by movable auxiliary accommodating bodies. This allows selective access to different compartments while maintaining protection for stored items, resolving the contradiction between easy access and protection against contamination/loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Movable auxiliary accommodating bodies with closing covers act as intermediaries between the main opening and the stored contents. These intermediaries can be positioned to either block or allow access, providing controlled protection while maintaining ease of operation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If auxiliary accommodating bodies are made movable to enable access, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to main openingVSAvoidmovable components and bearing means

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary accommodating bodies are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to transition between covering and uncovering positions. This dynamic design enables easy access to the main opening while using simple bearing means that minimize overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10179672B2Container assembly

Publication Date: 2019.01.15 TTS TOOLTECHNIC SYST

AI summary

A container assembly includes at least one container that can be stacked, which has a base unit having a main accommodating body and having a carrying handle and which also has two auxiliary accommodating bodies, which sit on the main accommodating body and cover a main accommodating chamber formed therein in a basic position. Each auxiliary accommodating body has an auxiliary accommodating chamber that can be closed by means of a pivotable closing cover. The auxiliary accommodating bodies can be moved into an access position, in which the auxiliary accommodating bodies make the main accommodating chamber accessible. In addition, couplers are arranged on the base unit wherein the couplers enable vertical coupling of a plurality of stacked containers.