Storage Box Notch Design for Nested Stacking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Storage boxes occupy excessive space when stacked, requiring innovative solutions to minimize space usage without complex splicing structures or cumbersome operations.

Innovation Solution

The storage box design features notches on adjacent side walls allowing for embedding of identical boxes, and a storage rack system with sliding components and supporting rods for efficient stacking and connection, reducing space usage without complex assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple storage boxes are stacked conventionally, then storage capacity is provided, but space occupancy is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidspace occupancy

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by designing notches on adjacent side walls of storage boxes, allowing one storage box to be embedded within another. The notches are positioned and dimensioned to receive the side walls of nested boxes, creating a compact nested arrangement that significantly reduces space occupancy while maintaining storage capacity for multiple boxes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If embedding structure is implemented, then space occupancy is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupancyVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the side walls of storage boxes into distinct segments - specifically by creating notches in adjacent side walls. This segmentation allows the side walls to be inserted into corresponding notches of nested boxes, achieving the embedding function through simple geometric divisions rather than complex mechanical structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The notches serve multiple functions: they enable the embedding of adjacent storage boxes, provide structural alignment during nesting, and facilitate stable connection between nested boxes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If notches are added to side walls, then embedding capability is achieved, but structural strength is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveembedding capabilityVSAvoidside wall strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The notches are designed to be partial openings in the side walls rather than complete through-holes. The notches extend only far enough to receive the thickness of the adjacent box's side wall, maintaining sufficient material in the side walls to preserve structural strength while achieving the necessary embedding capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11535423B1Storage box and storage rack

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 LI LIJUN

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a storage box, including a bottom, a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall and a fourth side wall. The first side wall, the second side wall, the third side wall and the fourth side wall sequentially surround the bottom. The first side wall is parallel to the third side wall, the second side wall is parallel to the fourth side wall, the first side wall is perpendicular to the second side wall, a first notch is disposed on the first side wall, a second notch is disposed on the second side wall, a width of the first notch is larger than or equal to a thickness of the second side wall, a width of the second notch is larger than or equal to a thickness of the first side wall.