Transport Crate with Segmented Side Wall for Product Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crates for transporting goods, such as beverage bottles, require inconvenient and time-consuming access methods, as products in lower positions can only be accessed by removing all crates above them, leading to inefficiencies in retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A crate design featuring a base and side walls with a lower removal height on one side wall, allowing side access while maintaining product security during transport, and including features like handle openings, increased strut density for stability, and foldable walls for efficient stacking and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the crate uses uniform side walls of the same height, then the crate maintains structural stability and uniform appearance, but access to products in lower positions requires removing all crates above, which is time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall is segmented into two distinct sections: an upper section that provides structural stability and a lower section with a cutout that provides access. This segmentation allows the crate to simultaneously maintain its structural integrity while enabling direct access to products without removing entire crates.
Solution Approach 2:
The side wall features a localized cutout or opening in the lower portion, creating a region of different functionality within the otherwise uniform wall structure. This local modification allows product access while the rest of the wall maintains its stabilizing function.
2Ease of operation
If the first side wall is made lower to allow side access, then product retrieval becomes easier, but the crate may become less stable and products could potentially fall out
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall is divided into an upper stabilizing section and a lower access section, allowing each part to fulfill its specific function - the upper portion maintains structural integrity and stability, while the lower portion provides access without compromising overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The crate employs asymmetric side wall design where one side wall has a lower section with a cutout while opposite side walls maintain full height. This asymmetric configuration provides side access on one side while the full-height walls on opposite sides maintain the crate's structural stability.
3Productivity
If the crate is designed for easy side access, then product retrieval is improved, but the crate may appear less secure and professional for retail presentation
Solution Approach 1:
The cutout is implemented as a localized feature in the lower portion of one side wall, allowing the majority of the crate structure to maintain its uniform, professional appearance while providing functional access points where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of opening the entire side wall, only a partial cutout is created - just enough to allow access to products. This partial action maintains the overall aesthetic integrity of the crate while providing sufficient access functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
The box (10) has two pairs of opposite lateral walls (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b), where one of the lateral walls extends upward from a base (12) in a vertical direction (18) at removal height (20) to define a lateral opening. The lateral opening exhibits dimensions such that the opening allows access to and removal of products contained in the box. A set of sleeves (22a, 22b) is arranged on the base such that the sleeves maintain arranged bottles in the box, where height of the sleeve does not exceed the removal height. The side walls comprise gripping openings (28a, 28b).