Stackable Open-Top Containers with Interlocking Inverted Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shipping containers occupy the same space when empty as when filled, leading to high storage costs, and are often unstable when stacked, particularly at sea due to slippage caused by waves.
Innovation Solution
Design of stackable open-top containers that can be oriented in multiple ways, with a male container featuring tilted side walls and support members for interlocking with a female container, allowing for efficient space usage and stability through a sandwich-type structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If containers are stacked in conventional manner, then storage capacity is maintained, but space efficiency deteriorates because empty containers occupy same space as filled ones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by allowing empty containers to be placed inside filled containers or inverted containers. The inner container fits within the outer container's volume, enabling compact stacking. This is achieved through complementary geometric features: the lower container has an inwardly positioned bottom edge that creates a recess, while the upper container has an outwardly positioned bottom edge that protrudes, allowing interlocking and nested arrangement that minimizes wasted space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes inversion by allowing containers to be stacked both upright and inverted. The geometric features are designed to work in both orientations, with the inwardly and outwardly positioned bottom edges creating complementary interfaces that function regardless of container orientation. This enables flexible stacking arrangements where empty containers can be inverted and nested within filled ones, maximizing space utilization.
2Volume of stationary object
If containers are stacked to save space, then storage efficiency improves, but stability deteriorates due to slippage caused by sea waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry by positioning the bottom edges of containers at different distances from the outer edges. The lower container has an inwardly positioned bottom edge closer to the center, while the upper container has an outwardly positioned bottom edge closer to the perimeter. This asymmetric arrangement creates interlocking interfaces that prevent horizontal slippage, providing stability against wave-induced movements while enabling compact nested stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the container structure into distinct functional zones: the bottom edge region with inward/outward positioning features, the side walls, and the opening. This segmentation allows the bottom edge features to specifically address stability through interlocking, while the overall container maintains its storage function. The segmented design enables independent optimization of stacking stability without compromising storage capacity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional container designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but space utilization deteriorates due to inability to nest empty containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing containers with geometric features that serve multiple functions: the inwardly and outwardly positioned bottom edges simultaneously enable nested stacking, provide mechanical interlocking for stability, and allow flexible orientation (upright or inverted). These multi-functional features are integrated into the basic container structure, allowing single-type containers to perform multiple stacking roles without requiring different container designs, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling space-efficient nesting.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system of stackable open-top containers. The system comprises male (1) and female (2) containers that can be alternately stacked, either in upright or inverted position. Substantial space saving is obtained by the system. The invention also provides male and female containers that are useful in the system of containers, wherein the male containers (1) have sidewalls inwardly inclined from a bottom towards a rim of the container.