Stackable Transit Lids With Alignment Guides

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stackable container lids lack efficient and space-saving stacking mechanisms, particularly for mixed-depth profiles, and do not easily separate for reinstallation, which complicates storage and transportation.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of protuberances and alignment guides on the exterior and interior surfaces of lids allows for stable, space-efficient stacking and easy separation, accommodating both deep-profile and low-profile lids, with features like ledges and latch assemblies for secure engagement and reinstallation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If lids are stacked during storage and loading to utilize available space, then space utilization is improved, but the stacking mechanism becomes complex and lids difficult to separate for reinstallation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space utilizationVSAvoidstacking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stacking mechanism is divided into distinct functional elements: alignment guides on one lid that mate with corresponding recesses or features on another lid. This segmentation allows each lid to have standardized stacking features that simplify the overall stacking process while enabling easy separation and reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If lids have standardized stacking features for easy stacking, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to accommodate different lid depth profiles is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestacking easeVSAvoidaccommodation of different lid profiles

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stacking features are designed with universal compatibility, where alignment guides and corresponding receiving features can accommodate both deep-profile and low-profile lids. The standardized interface allows different lid types to be stacked interchangeably without requiring profile-specific stacking mechanisms, thus maintaining both ease of operation and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If lids are designed with secure stacking engagement, then stacking stability is improved, but separation and reinstallation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestacking stabilityVSAvoidseparation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement features are designed so that the alignment guides extend beyond the lid surface to provide stable engagement during stacking, but the corresponding receiving features allow the guides to be easily inserted and removed. This extraction principle enables the engagement mechanism to provide stability when stacked while maintaining ease of separation for reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS9604763B2Stackable lids for equipment containers

Publication Date: 2017.03.28 BECKLIN HLDG

AI summary

A lid for a transit case includes alignment features such as protuberances and alignment guides that cooperate to permit multiple lids to be stacked in a stable configuration and in a space efficient manner one on top of another. The lids may take the form of deep-profile lids and low-profile lids. In addition, the lids may include features for receiving and securing extra latch assemblies or other hardware on an interior surface of the lid.