Stackable Plant Crate With Ventilated Walls And Interlocking Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transporting young plants are inefficient, leading to damage and loss due to lack of protection, poor ventilation, and visibility issues, while also being costly and environmentally unsustainable.
Innovation Solution
A stackable crate system with a frame and connector elements that allows for secure stacking and ventilation, featuring a removable door for access and visibility, designed to accommodate propagation trays and support palletization for mass transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If trays are transported on movable carriers (Danish trolleys), then transportation is enabled, but trays are subject to displacement and plant damage
Solution Approach 1:
The crate is divided into a frame structure with distinct walls forming separate compartments. Each wall portion acts as an independent protective barrier, segmenting the space to securely hold trays in place while allowing ventilation through integrated openings.
2Reliability
If trays are placed inside corrugated packaging boxes, then protection is provided, but ventilation is disrupted and quality checks are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The crate walls incorporate ventilation openings that allow air flow through the structure. This porous design enables protection while maintaining the ventilation needed for plant health, avoiding the complete enclosure of traditional boxes.
3Ease of manufacture
If cardboard boxes are used for packaging, then cost-effective transport is achieved, but stacking stability is compromised due to humidity absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The crate transitions from a single-layer to a multi-layer stacked configuration. By changing the spatial arrangement parameter and creating interlocking layers with protruding and recessed portions, the system achieves stable stacking that resists humidity-related degradation.
4Productivity
If multiple crates are stacked for mass transportation, then efficiency is improved, but connector reliability must be sufficient to prevent collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The crate design features nested stacking where protruding portions of lower crates fit into recessed portions of upper crates. This nesting arrangement creates a mechanically interlocked structure that distributes weight and enhances overall stacking reliability.
5Ease of manufacture
If propagation trays are transported without individual protection, then cost is reduced, but plant damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural protection for trays, enables stable stacking through interlocking features, maintains ventilation through wall openings, and facilitates easy handling via its standardized frame design. This multi-functionality achieves protection without proportionally increasing cost.
Data Source
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AI summary
Crates and systems for transporting living plant material are disclosed. Methods of making and using crates and systems for transporting living plant material are also disclosed.