Transport Container Nested Wall Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transport containers are not stable enough when empty and require costly release mechanisms for space-saving return transport, which limits their practical use.

Innovation Solution

A transport container design featuring a one-piece base and side wall made from particle foam with axially symmetrical, offset wall sections that allow for volume reduction by inserting one container into another, with spacers and interlocking elements for enhanced stability and handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If side walls are made foldable for space-saving return transport, then volume reduction is achieved, but structural stability and rigidity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume reductionVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Two identical transport containers are designed to be inserted into one another, with wall sections of one container engaging in the gaps between wall sections of the other container. This nesting arrangement achieves volume reduction while maintaining structural stability through the interlocking geometry of the containers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If side walls are folded down for empty transport, then space-saving return transport is achieved, but costly release mechanisms are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace-saving return transportVSAvoidrelease mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The containers are designed with complementary geometries allowing direct insertion without release mechanisms. The wall sections engage in gaps between adjacent wall sections through their offset parallel arrangement, eliminating the need for costly release mechanisms while achieving space-saving transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of folding walls down to achieve compact form, the invention inverts the approach by inserting one complete container into another, achieving volume reduction through nested arrangement rather than deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Volume of moving object

If wall sections are offset parallel to adjacent wall sections, then two containers can be inserted into one another, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterlocking capabilityVSAvoidgap consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The offset distance between parallel wall sections is specifically designed to match the wall thickness, creating consistent gaps that accommodate the nested arrangement. This localized dimensional relationship ensures proper engagement while accommodating manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The wall sections are designed with specific offset distances and gap dimensions that enable the nested configuration. By carefully selecting these geometric parameters, the invention achieves interlocking capability while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3543158B1Transport container
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 FEURER FEBRA
  • EP3543158B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3543158B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3543158B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a transport container (10) with a base (12) and with a side wall (16) extending upwards from the base (12) to a top (15) and surrounding a receiving space (14), which has several wall sections (18, 20), wherein a gap (30) is arranged between each pair of wall sections (18, 20) at which the height of the side wall (16) is at least reduced, wherein the wall sections (18, 20) are arranged such that the transport container (10) and another identical transport container (10) can be joined together with their tops (15) facing each other, such that at least part of the wall sections (18, 20) of the transport container (10) engage in the receiving space (14) and/or the gaps (30) of the further transport container (10), and wherein at least part of the wall sections (18, 20) of the further transport container (10) engage in the receiving space (14) and/or the gaps (30) of the further transport container (10) (14) and/or the gaps (30) of the transport container (10) engage.