Stackable Modular Container With Oval Groove Fixing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular and stackable containers for handling and transporting parts, such as automotive parts, face issues like damage during handling due to improper folding, require special tools for assembly/disassembly, and are prone to panel loss during transport due to vertical forces from road collisions.
Innovation Solution
A modular container design featuring a base with four panels that pivot on oval-shaped grooves and uprights, allowing horizontal folding without specific order requirements, and including movable parts for height reduction and recesses for easy transport, with handles facilitating easy assembly and disassembly without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If panels are made foldable to reduce container volume, then storage efficiency improves, but panels may come out or protrude during handling causing loss or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is designed with an opening that allows panels to be inserted before closing, and the closed position automatically secures the panel in place, preventing it from coming out during handling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The groove acts as an intermediary element between the panel and the upright, providing a controlled path for panel insertion and retention, preventing the panel from protruding or detaching during transport
2Duration of action of stationary object
If folding operations require a specific order to prevent deterioration, then panel durability improves, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The groove design with opening allows panels to be pre-positioned in a controlled manner during assembly, ensuring proper alignment before the folding action is completed, which prevents deterioration regardless of the folding sequence
Solution Approach 2:
The groove geometry (oval shape with specific dimensions) allows the panel to pivot through a defined range of motion, accommodating different folding sequences while maintaining panel integrity through the controlled movement path
3Speed
If vertical forces from road collisions are transmitted to containers, then transport functionality is maintained, but panels may separate from the base causing loss of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The groove design inherently absorbs and distributes vertical forces from road collisions through its structural geometry, preventing these forces from concentrating at the panel-upright connection points and causing separation
Solution Approach 2:
The groove serves as a shock-absorbing intermediary between the upright and the panel, reducing the impact of vertical forces transmitted during transport and preventing panel detachment
4Manufacturing precision
If special tools are used for assembly and disassembly of mesh panels, then maintenance precision improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The groove design with opening allows panels to be manually inserted and secured without requiring special tools, enabling operators to perform assembly and disassembly operations using only their hands
Solution Approach 2:
The opening in the groove allows panels to be pre-aligned and inserted in a controlled manner during assembly, ensuring proper positioning without requiring precision tools
Data Source
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AI summary
The container has four panels fixed on four posts by two fixation units in the form of large and small snails, to allow the rotation of each panel with respect to a base. One of the fixing units includes fingers (37) arranged on the panel and a slot situated on one of the posts. The fingers slide and pivot inside the slot for permitting horizontal folding of the panels on the base. The slot is provided with an opening by which the panels pass through during their assembling and/or disassembling.