Stackable Storage Containers With Tri-State Self-Locking Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage containers lack an effective and efficient way to stack and lock together securely, leading to disorganization and difficulty in managing and transporting tools and equipment, especially in industrial settings.
Innovation Solution
A system of stackable storage boxes with automatic locking mechanisms, including deep chamfers, protrusions, and detent slots that align and lock containers together, featuring a tri-state lock mechanism with a lock status indicator to indicate the lock state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If storage containers are designed to stack together, then space utilization and organization are improved, but the containers may become misaligned or unstable during stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric chamfered edges on the containers where one container has a chamfered top edge and the other has a chamfered bottom edge. This asymmetric design creates a tapered interface that naturally guides the containers into proper alignment during stacking, eliminating the need for high-precision manufacturing while ensuring stable stacking.
2Reliability
If storage containers are designed with locking mechanisms, then stacking security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when containers are stacked together. The interlocking features and detent mechanisms self-activate through the stacking action itself, without requiring manual intervention or complex control systems. This maintains high locking reliability while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the stacking interface: alignment guidance, mechanical interlocking, and locking all occur through the same chamfered edge and detent structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate alignment features and locking devices, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If storage containers require manual alignment during stacking, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but stacking time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The chamfered edges are pre-formed on the containers during manufacturing, creating built-in alignment guides. When stacking occurs, these pre-formed features automatically guide the containers into proper alignment without requiring manual adjustment or additional alignment steps during the stacking operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If storage containers are designed without locking features, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the risk of containers separating or becoming disorganized increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies locking features only at the critical stacking interface through chamfered edges and detent mechanisms, rather than requiring comprehensive locking systems on all surfaces. This localized approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while providing sufficient stacking security at the key connection points.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system are disclosed including a stackable storage container. In various embodiments, the stackable storage container includes stacking locks that may be deployed automatically to lock the stackable storage containers together when a first storage container is placed upon the top of a second storage container. A tri-state locking system is used to lock the containers in a stack configuration. Deep chamfers at bottom surfaces and top lids of storage containers allow automatic alignment of the containers. When storage containers are stacked and aligned, a lock status indicator is activated to indicate the state of the stacking locks. The lock status indicator may also have an added function to allow a user to unlock the stacked storage containers to detach and remove them from the stack. The user may not manually lock the storage containers but the user may unlock them manually.