Stackable Merchandise Tray Corner Reinforcement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tray containers are not suitable for displaying merchandise at retail locations, as they require unpacking and re arrangement, and their design for stacking is prone to deformation and loss of securement under external impacts during handling and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A tray container design featuring interlocking tabs and mounting openings, with a rugged construction and flat outer side walls for graphic display, allowing secure stacking and resistance to external forces, fabricated from standard cardboard stock with minimal waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If upstanding right-angled corners are provided at the outer corners of the side panels for stacking, then trays can be securely stacked together, but the corners are readily deformed or destroyed by impact during handling and transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the vulnerable right-angled corner elements from the side panels and replaces them with reinforced corner posts that extend vertically along the entire height of the tray. This separation allows the corner reinforcement to be independent and more durable while maintaining the stacking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner posts are constructed as composite structures combining the tray's base material with additional reinforcing elements, creating a more robust corner structure that can withstand impact forces during handling and transportation while maintaining stacking stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If folded extension portions are used to secure cover panels to side walls, then trays can be assembled, but the folded portions cover the outer surface preventing graphic matters from being displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the securing function from the folded extension portions that covered the side wall surface. Instead, corner posts with integrated securing mechanisms are used, which perform the same assembly function without obscuring the outer surface for graphic display purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves the securing mechanism from a two-dimensional folded flap on the surface to a three-dimensional corner post structure that secures panels from the corner, thereby preserving the flat side wall surface for graphic display while maintaining assembly capability.
3Productivity
If small dimensional upstanding corners are used for stacking, then trays can be stacked together, but the securement is unreliable and tabs disengage under lateral impact forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs asymmetric corner post designs with varying dimensions and reinforcement levels at different heights and positions, creating a more reliable securement structure that can withstand lateral impact forces while maintaining efficient stacking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner posts incorporate curved or rounded transitions and reinforced geometries that distribute impact forces more effectively, preventing tab disengagement under lateral loads while maintaining the stacking function.
Data Source
AI summary
Rugged stackable merchandise tray containers are provided with right-angled mounting tabs at the inner corners of the top panel of two load supporting casing formed at the two ends of the tray container. The right-angled mounting tabs are engageable with rectangular mounting openings formed at the bottom of the bottom panel when two tray containers are stacked one on top of another. The mounting provide resistance to accidental external impact exerted to the stack. At least one trapezoidal shape pull-out tabs are also provided at the edge portion of the bottom panel, which are engageable with aligned mounting slots formed at the top panel of the load supporting casings to provide further securement of the stacked tray containers as well as enhanced resistance to external impact to the stack.