The 'perfect' storage container?

[tl8]

Hi All

I have spent the last few weeks designing the perfect Lego Container. It is 19 (L)x 11 (W)x10 (H) Studs (I am a technic person) with enough space to get everything out.

It can hold up to 4 81.6x38R Balloon Tires as well as pretty much everything else except the largest of plates. Motors and battery boxes fit very well with the 11 wide container.

But I now have a problem; while I have a completed model, I don't really have the expertise to manufacturer it in bulk. I could do a kickstarter or similar, but as I have not done this before, this would be a major risk to both myself and any backers. Another issue is that I have not designed a holder for them. I would make one out of wood, but not everyone can do that or would want to do that.

So rather than let this idea die, I will give everyone this file. To 3D print this model would be ~$30 AUD but probably less for someone with a 3D printer. If you have the expertise to do an injection mold, then please let me know.

Pictures of both the CAD and paper prototypes: https://imgur.com/gallery/hlwGw

Render:

Paper Prototypes:

STL and IGES files: https://www.dropbox.com/s/9z1y4vey0sv648n/FullContainer.zip?dl=0

Alt link to the STL file: https://repables.com/r/868

[deraven]

Interesting take on the specific dimensions.  I think the issue is mainly how much advantage there is to having those exact dimensions vs the cost.  For instance, a regular Akro Mils or U-Line bin that's nearly the same, like this one (https://www.uline.com/Product/ProductDetailRootItem?modelnumber=S-12414) would work almost as well in most cases.  The inside dimensions of that one are 6 13/16 x 3 1/2 x 2 5/8" m vs your proposed size which is 6" x 3.5" x 3.15" and it does have the open front and such that makes it not quite as ideal, but it only costs $1.50USD per bin.  Or an Akro Mils 24-drawer cabinet with the drawers being 2-3/16"H x 4-1/2"W x 6"D, which again isn't too far off your proposal, and runs about $35-40USD.

The key would definitely be mass production...

[tl8]

8 hours ago, deraven said:

Interesting take on the specific dimensions.  I think the issue is mainly how much advantage there is to having those exact dimensions vs the cost.  For instance, a regular Akro Mils or U-Line bin that's nearly the same, like this one (https://www.uline.com/Product/ProductDetailRootItem?modelnumber=S-12414) would work almost as well in most cases.  The inside dimensions of that one are 6 13/16 x 3 1/2 x 2 5/8" m vs your proposed size which is 6" x 3.5" x 3.15" and it does have the open front and such that makes it not quite as ideal, but it only costs $1.50USD per bin.  Or an Akro Mils 24-drawer cabinet with the drawers being 2-3/16"H x 4-1/2"W x 6"D, which again isn't too far off your proposal, and runs about $35-40USD.

The key would definitely be mass production...

Basically, I don't like the open bins for various reasons including dust.

My current storage solution is ok (large compartment boxes, they work particularly well for gears), but doesn't let me see everything without reaching.

The problem then is how do I find draws that I like and at a reasonable cost. I don't have a lot of options for draws where I live, a set of the little ones (in the photo) is $25 AUD for 12.

The rough costing I did on a Rapid Prototype mold for a run of 5000 was around ~$13k USD which would work out to be about $3 a drawer (Actual material cost is a little over $1 USD). More expensive than a commercial product, but maybe more accessible.

[deraven]

Yeah, $3/drawer isn't cheap, but definitely not unreasonable.  If the drawers were made and you had enough buyers, I don't think it would be too much of an issue for folks to knock together a frame/shelves to hold them.  Or hunt around at IKEA and similar places to see if there's an existing shelving or organizational product of theirs that could be made to fit them easily so it's not totally re-inventing the wheel but also not the hassle of going fully custom.

You might consider modifying the upper edge and/or bottom of the drawers slightly so they can be stacked securely- that might increase the marketability for folks considering buying some if they could be used as more general purpose bins as well as drawers.

Just a couple thoughts...

[Andy D]

Unfortunately I do not believe there is *One* perfect LEGO storage container. I use several different containers in my system, each has a purpose. 

I use stacking units like the Akro Mills units with different size drawers for different type pieces, I use Plano boxes for most of my smaller Technic pieces (gears, pins, axels etc.) and I use 15 qt Sterelite containers with plastic baggies and Glad entree size storage containers (inside the 15 qt. containers) for other pieces.

What you have is a good start on making multi-size, multi use containers. As others have said they would be more versatile if they were stackable and clear.  Clear is a big advantage so you can see what is inside.

Also, looking at your containers, I think $3 to store 4 tires is pretty expensive.

IHTH

AndyD

 

Edited October 27, 2017 by Andy D