Gravity-Actuated Stacking Crate Supports for Easy Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stacking boxes require complex manual alignment and rotation to form stacked or nested configurations, which is strenuous for manual handling and poses challenges for automated systems.
Innovation Solution
A stacking box design with gravity-driven, pivotable support elements that automatically switch between support and rest positions based on orientation, allowing for easy stacking and nesting without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If stacking boxes require manual alignment and rotation to form stacked or nested configurations, then stacking and nesting functionality is achieved, but manual effort and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are designed to be movable rather than fixed, automatically changing position based on the orientation of the stacking box. When the box is upright, support elements extend to enable stacking; when inverted, they retract to enable nesting. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for manual alignment and rotation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements automatically position themselves based on the gravitational orientation of the stacking box without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts between stacking and nesting configurations through the simple act of inverting the box, making the process self-serving and eliminating strenuous manual handling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If support elements are actively moved between support and rest positions, then stacking and nesting functionality is achieved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements utilize the weight of the stacking box itself as the actuating force. When the box is inverted, gravity causes the support elements to automatically retract into the resting position without requiring additional actuators or energy input. The system uses the opposing gravitational force to drive the mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Active mechanical actuation systems (motors, actuators, controlled mechanisms) are replaced with a passive gravity-driven mechanism. The support elements respond automatically to gravitational orientation changes, eliminating the need for complex controlled mechanical systems while achieving the same functional result.
3Productivity
If automated handling systems are used to align and stack crates, then stacking efficiency is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking box automatically presents the correct configuration for stacking through its gravity-driven support elements. Automated handling systems no longer need to perform complex alignment operations; they simply need to place boxes in upright or inverted positions, dramatically simplifying the manipulation unit while maintaining high stacking efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring automated systems to actively align and orient boxes for stacking, the invention inverts the approach: the box automatically configures itself for stacking or nesting based on its orientation. This reverses the complexity from the handling system to the passive box design, simplifying automation requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simple and efficient stacking and nesting of boxes by automatically adjusting support elements based on gravity, reducing manual effort and complexity in handling and automation.
Implementation Method 1
movable support elements (7), in particular articulated to the wall (3), which can be moved solely under the influence of gravity into a support position and a rest position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A stacking box (1) is disclosed, comprising a base (2), a wall (3) which, together with the base (2), defines a receiving space (4), and a receiving opening (6) defined by an edge (5) of the wall (3). Adjustable support elements (7) are attached to the stacking box (1), allowing movement between a rest position and a support position. In the support position, the support elements (7) are positioned to provide a surface for stacking the stacking box (1) and another stacking box (1) together to form a stacked stack. In the rest position, the support elements (7) are positioned to allow stacking the stacking box (1) and another stacking box (1) to be nested together to form a nested stack of boxes.According to the invention, the support elements (7) are designed and attached to the stacking box (1) such that, when the stacking box (1) is placed on a base (2), they are moved into the support position solely by gravity. When the stacking box (1) is placed on its edge with the receiving opening (6) facing downwards on a base, the support elements (7) are moved into the rest position solely by gravity.