Stackable Foam Containers with Reinforcement Rows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foam-based stacking containers in transport devices are prone to irreversible deformation under heavy loads when stacked, as the weight is absorbed by the foam, leading to instability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating rows of reinforcement elements made of more stable materials like metal, hard plastic, or wood, which transfer the weight from the lid to the base part, relieving the foam and enhancing stability, with detachable connections for easy recycling and precise force transmission through upper and lower plates and spacers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stacking containers made of foam are used, then the containers are light and robust with soft surfaces that protect objects, but the foam absorbs weight completely leading to irreversible deformation under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines foam material with rigid reinforcement elements (metal, hard plastic, or wood) to create a composite structure. The foam provides cushioning and protection while the reinforcement elements provide structural stability and load-bearing capacity, preventing deformation under heavy loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement elements are strategically placed at specific locations within the stacking containers (such as at corners or along edges) where structural support is most needed. This localized reinforcement maintains the overall lightweight and protective foam structure while providing targeted stability enhancement.
2Productivity
If multiple transport devices are stacked one on top of the other, then space utilization is improved, but the weight from upper devices causes deformation of the foam in lower devices
Solution Approach 1:
By incorporating rigid reinforcement elements into the foam structure of stacking containers, the composite material enables the stack to bear heavy loads from upper transport devices without deforming, thus maintaining stacking stability while preserving space utilization benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement elements are pre-installed in the stacking containers to provide structural support before stacking occurs. This beforehand reinforcement prevents deformation when heavy loads are applied during stacking operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If reinforcement elements are added to the stacking containers, then structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcement elements are added only at critical locations within the stacking containers where structural support is most needed, rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized approach enhances stability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration of reinforcement elements into the foam structure creates a composite material system where the two materials work together synergistically. The reinforcement elements are embedded within or attached to the foam, creating a unified structure that provides enhanced stability without requiring separate complex support systems.
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 significantly enhances the stability of the transport device by distributing heavy loads effectively through reinforcement elements, preventing foam deformation and allowing for secure stacking and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the weight acting on the lid from other transport devices stacked on top of it is transferred to the base part via the rows of reinforcing elements lying on top of one another
Implementation Method 2
the weight acting on the lid from other transport devices stacked on top of it is transferred to the base part
Implementation Method 3
the weight is completely absorbed by the foam got to. This stress can lead to irreversible deformation of the foam
Implementation Method 4
The foam has a soft surface that does not damage objects that are picked up, e.g. B. are exposed to vibration during transport
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a transport device (10) with a base part (12) having on its underside a number n support feet (18) each with an underside mounting surface (20) and on its upper side a support surface (22), with several stacked stacking containers (14) each with a container body (26) made of foamed plastic, wherein the lowest of the stacking containers (14) rests on the support surface (22) and wherein each stacking container (14), with the exception of the uppermost stacking container (14), is covered by the next stacking container (14) above it, and with a lid (16) that covers the uppermost stacking container (14), wherein the lid (16) has on its upper side facing away from the stacking containers (14) at least one number of upper mounting surfaces (36) corresponding to the number n of support feet (18), which are intended for setting up the underside mounting surfaces (20) of a further base part.According to the invention, each of the stacking containers (14) has a number of reinforcing elements (42), wherein the reinforcing elements (42) of the stacked stacking containers (14) are arranged in rows (52) one above the other and resting on one another, wherein each row (52) extends from the bottom part (12) to the lid (16) and wherein at least partially one of the rows (52) is arranged vertically above each of the lower support surfaces (20) and vertically below the associated upper support surface (36).