Tray Denesting Shoulder Mechanism for Stacking Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers and trays lack efficient dividing features and denesting mechanisms, making them inefficient for stacking and separating, particularly when holding multiple products.
Innovation Solution
A tray design featuring a plurality of panels with end, side, and bottom panels, foldable end flaps, and denesting features such as a denesting shoulder that extends from the sidewall to engage lower trays, forming a denesting gap for easy separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If trays are designed for compact stacking to save space, then storage efficiency is improved, but separation and handling become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is divided into multiple independent sections or compartments within the stacking structure. Each tray unit has distinct separating features that allow individual trays to be easily detached from the stack while maintaining compact arrangement when stacked. The segmentation enables both space efficiency and ease of separation.
Solution Approach 2:
Separating features such as tabs, slots, or interlocking mechanisms are introduced as intermediary elements between adjacent trays. These features facilitate easy separation by providing a mechanical interface that allows trays to be pulled apart without damage, while still allowing compact stacking when engaged. The intermediary features mediate between the conflicting requirements of compact stacking and easy separation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If trays are designed with integrated dividers to organize products, then product organization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dividers are merged with the tray body into a single integrated structure rather than separate components. The dividing features are formed as part of the tray's wall or bottom surface, eliminating the need for separate divider parts and reducing assembly steps. This merging maintains product organization capability while simplifying manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The dividers are formed using thin-walled structures or folded portions of the tray material itself. By using the tray's own material to form dividing sections through folding or shaping, the design achieves product organization without adding complex mechanical structures. This approach reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining functional separation of products.
3Ease of operation
If trays are designed for easy separation to improve handling, then handling efficiency is improved, but stacking stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable. The separating features include elements that can be engaged or disengaged based on handling requirements. When stacked, the features provide stable interlocking; when separation is needed, the same features allow easy detachment. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between stacking stability and handling ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating features are designed with asymmetric geometries that provide directional engagement. The asymmetry creates a natural locking mechanism during stacking while allowing easy separation in a specific direction. This asymmetric design enables stable stacking when properly oriented while facilitating easy handling and separation when needed, resolving the stability-ease contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
A tray for holding one or more products includes a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray, the plurality of panels including at least one end panel, at least one bottom panel, and at least one side panel, a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, a sidewall including the at least one side panel, a bottom wall comprising the at least one bottom panel, at least one end wall including the at least one end panel, and denesting features including a denesting shoulder extending from the sidewall and positioned for engaging a lower tray in a stack of trays to form a denesting gap between stacked trays.


