Stackable Container With Automatic Nesting Brackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stackable and nestable containers often suffer from accidental dipping of upper containers into lower ones during stacking, leading to damage, and require manual adjustment of stacking devices for nesting, which is time-consuming and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A container design with prestressed stacking devices that automatically switch between stacking and nesting positions using an actuating element, allowing for safe stacking and efficient nesting of multiple containers without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stacking devices are prestressed into the stacking position to prevent accidental dipping, then stacking safety is improved, but manual adjustment is required for nesting which increases operation time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking device is designed to automatically switch between stacking position and nesting position through self-service mechanisms. The biasing device automatically returns the stacking device to the nesting position after stacking operation, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and making the container ready for nesting without additional operational steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking device transitions from a static prestressed design to a dynamic system that can automatically change positions. The movable coupling allows the stacking device to shift between stacking and nesting positions, and the biasing device provides automatic return functionality, enabling the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If stacking devices are manually adjusted to nesting position for nesting containers, then nesting capability is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking device automatically returns to the nesting position through the biasing device after stacking operations are complete. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual adjustment, allowing containers to be quickly nested without time-consuming operational steps, thereby improving nesting capability while minimizing time loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If side walls are inclined outwards to enable nesting, then nesting capability is improved, but stacking stability deteriorates due to smaller bottom cross-section
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the side walls with outward inclination for nesting capability, and the stacking device with lateral protrusion for stacking stability. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function independently, enabling both nesting and stable stacking without compromising either capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking device acts as an intermediary element between the inclined side walls and the stacking surface. It compensates for the reduced stability caused by outwardly inclined side walls by providing lateral support and protrusion, thereby enabling both nesting capability and stacking stability to coexist.
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 solution prevents accidental dipping and simplifies the nesting process by automatically adjusting the stacking devices, ensuring safe and efficient stacking and nesting of multiple containers, reducing the risk of damage and minimizing manual effort.
Implementation Method 1
the stacking device is biased into the stacking position by means of at least one biasing device
Data Source
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AI summary
A container (2, 2') has a bottom (4) and side walls (6, 8), the internal cross-section defined by the side walls widening towards the container opening (10). A stacking device, movably coupled to the container and in particular formed from two stacking brackets (18), releases the opening cross-section in a nesting position to allow an identical or compatible container to be nested into the container (2, 2'). In the stacking position, it projects laterally into the opening cross-section for stacking an identical or compatible container. The stacking device is pre-tensioned in the stacking position. The container also has an actuating element (38, 38') coupled to the stacking device, which allows the stacking device to be automatically moved into the nesting position when the container (2, 2') is nested into a compatible container.