Stackable Container With Movable Stacking Elements For Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stackable containers fail to effectively prevent moisture buildup and ensure ventilation, particularly when used outdoors for storage or horticultural purposes, leading to waterlogging and potential damage to stored goods.
Innovation Solution
A stackable container design featuring a receiving body with movable stacking elements and drainage openings at the bottom, allowing moisture to be absorbed and directed through drainage channels and channels, enabling effective drainage and ventilation, with optional fluid channels for targeted liquid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If containers are designed to be stackable and nested when not in use, then space efficiency is improved, but moisture drainage capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container features nesting capability where one container can be placed inside another when not in use, achieving space efficiency. The nested container's bottom rests on the outer container's base, creating a configuration that enables moisture drainage from the inner container through the outer container's drainage openings.
Solution Approach 2:
Drainage openings are extracted and positioned specifically in the base region of the container. These openings are strategically located to enable moisture removal while maintaining the stackable and nested functionality of the container system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If drainage openings are added to the base, then moisture removal capability is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with differentiated local properties: certain regions contain drainage openings for moisture removal, while other regions maintain solid structure for structural integrity and support. This local differentiation allows the base to simultaneously fulfill drainage and structural functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If stacking elements are made movable to enable both nesting and stacking positions, then versatility is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking elements are designed to be movable rather than fixed, enabling the container to adapt between nesting position and stacking position. The movability is achieved through simple mechanical means that allow rotation or pivoting without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The same movable stacking elements serve multiple functions: they enable both nesting capability and stacking capability, and also provide structural support in the stacked configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
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
The design effectively prevents moisture buildup and ensures ventilation, making the container suitable for outdoor use, such as storing firewood or as a planter, by allowing efficient drainage and potentially recycling irrigation water for reuse.
Implementation Method 1
the base of the receiving body is designed to receive the moisture and/or liquid present in the receiving space and to guide the absorbed moisture and/or liquid in the direction of the at least one drainage opening
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the stacking elements has a drainage channel which is designed to receive and drain off moisture and/or liquid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to a stackable container (1) comprising a holding body (2), which has a bottom (3) and a lateral wall (4), which bound a holding chamber (5). The holding body (2) has stacking elements (6), which can be moved from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2) and which alternatively allow at least two such stackable containers to be stacked one inside the other and to be stacked one on the other. The holding body also has at least one drain opening (7) in the region of the bottom of the holding body, and the bottom is designed to hold moisture and/or liquid present in the holding chamber and to guide said moisture and/or liquid toward the at least one drain opening. At least one of the stacking elements (6) has a drain groove (8), which is designed to hold and to lead away moisture and/or liquid.