Stackable Delivery Containers With Side Access for Faster Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for handling reusable containers in goods delivery are labor-intensive, require lengthy loading dock dwell times, and involve repeated stacking and de-stacking, which is inefficient and prone to errors, especially in hub-and-spoke systems.
Innovation Solution
A stackable container design with a sliding inner part and secure locking mechanism, allowing easy access to contents without de-stacking, and a system of secured stacks on dollies forming a single movable unit for efficient loading and unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If re-usable containers are stacked on dollies and loaded into delivery vehicles, then loading speed is improved, but access to individual containers requires de-stacking which increases handling time and potential for errors
Solution Approach 1:
The container stack is segmented into individual accessible units through the side-opening mechanism. Each container can be accessed independently by opening its side panel without affecting the stability of the entire stack or requiring de-stacking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The side-opening mechanism acts as an intermediary that enables access to container contents without breaking the stack structure. This mediator allows handlers to retrieve items from any position in the stack while the dolly maintains overall stack integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If re-usable containers are manually loaded onto racking or shelving, then flexibility for different container sizes is improved, but labor intensity and loading dock dwell time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple containers are merged into a single stackable unit that functions as one loadable entity. The standardized stack dimensions allow entire stacks to be loaded onto dollies and into vehicles as unified units, reducing the number of individual handling operations required.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design incorporates movable side panels that can be opened independently, allowing dynamic access to contents without moving the entire stack. This dynamic feature maintains operational flexibility while reducing physical handling effort.
3Productivity
If re-usable containers are stacked in pre-determined sequences, then loading efficiency is improved, but the ability to make deliveries out of sequence is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The stack structure segments containers into independently accessible units through side openings. This segmentation allows handlers to retrieve containers in any sequence from the stack without disrupting the overall stack structure or requiring re-arrangement during loading.
Solution Approach 2:
Containers are pre-stacked in an optimized configuration that maintains stability and accessibility. The side-opening mechanism is prepared in advance to enable any-container access, eliminating the need for sequence-dependent loading operations.
4Productivity
If empty containers are stored within the delivery vehicle after delivery, then vehicle utilization is improved, but securing the remaining load becomes increasingly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Empty containers are merged with loaded containers within the same stack structure. The standardized stack design allows mixed stacks of filled and empty containers to be secured as a single unit using conventional restraint systems, maintaining load security while maximizing vehicle space utilization.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to containers which can be stacked one on top of another whilst still permitting easy access to the contents of any container within the stack without the need for de-stacking. The contents of the containers remain secured within the container.