Stackable Vessels With Rotational Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems for multiple vessels, such as beverages or hair products, require separate containers, which are cumbersome to handle and increase the likelihood of items being misplaced, as they are not easily stackable or connectable.
Innovation Solution
A storage system comprising vessels with radially positioned flanges on the lip and locking lugs on the bottom, allowing them to be easily engaged and disengaged in a top-to-bottom orientation, enabling stacking without interfering with normal usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate containers are used to store different materials, then each container can be independently used, but the likelihood of misplacement increases and handling becomes more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate vessels into a single integrated storage system by stacking them vertically and securing them with a common cap assembly. The cap assembly acts as a unifying element that connects all vessels together, allowing them to be handled as one unit while maintaining individual accessibility. This resolves the contradiction by merging separate containers into a unified structure that prevents misplacement while preserving independent usage capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate containers are used, then each vessel can function independently, but the storage system becomes more cumbersome and takes up more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where multiple vessels are stacked vertically one on top of another, similar to nested dolls. Each vessel fits within the vertical profile of the overall storage system, with the cap assembly spanning across all vessels. This nesting approach reduces the horizontal footprint and overall volume required for storage while maintaining the ability to access and use each vessel independently.
3Ease of operation
If vessels are connected together, then they can be stored and transported as a unit, but the engagement structures may interfere with normal usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the engagement function from the main body of each vessel by implementing a separate cap assembly that serves as the connection mechanism. The caps engage with corresponding features on adjacent vessels, creating a secure stacked arrangement for storage and transport. However, the caps can be easily removed when individual vessel access is needed, thereby extracting the connection function when needed while preserving full vessel functionality during normal usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system includes a plurality of vessels each shaped to engage with an adjoining vessel in a top-to-bottom orientation. The volume of the vessels may vary. The lip of each vessel includes a plurality of radially positioned flanges, and the bottom of each vessel includes a plurality of radially positioned locking lugs that correspond and engage with the flanges upon rotation of one vessel relative to the other.