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This is the first step of the development project “Dynamic intermediate floor”.
The client is looking for ideas on how to solve the mechanical problem described below, as well as market research results for existing concepts or solutions. In this early stage, concepts do not need to be worked out in detail yet.
This challenge will become an inspiration for the subsequent concept challenge, where detailed concepts will be elaborated.

The Challenge Creator uses the foldable transport box “MaxiPac” to present and sell groceries in supermarkets without unloading the items from this box. Customers can reach the upper half of the box content well, but it is uncomfortable to reach the lower half. Therefore, the Challenge Creator is looking for a solution to implement a dynamic intermediate floor that can be easily and continuously lifted while the box is emptied by customers, such that the products are always at the top level, comfortably reachable by customers.
Previous development activities did not result in a solution that meets all requirements. The problem was consequently considered as not solvable. For this reason, this problem is now published as an Open Innovation project on swip.world to tap world-wide know-how.

In order to save cost, the transport box is re-used for presenting the goods to the customer, because unloading into a shelf is extra work that shall be eliminated.

The difficulty of this problem is the target height of 30 mm when completely folded, and the initial force to start lifting, while the adjustment shall be possible by human force. Conventional lifting platforms that meet the small height require a very high initial force to unfold. Furthermore, it is hard to make the structure strong enough to lift the target load of 200 kg, given the 30 mm constraint.

This development project is divided into several steps. Upon completion of each step, the client can decide if he wants to proceed to the next step.

1. Ideation challenge
2. Concept challenge
3. Proof of concept with prototypes that can be tested

Please also refer to the attached diagram explaining the development project.

The dynamic floor needs to fulfill the following requirements

• Fits the existing transport box “MaxiPac”
• Working load limit: 200 kg
• Maximum module weight: 15 kg
• Maximum height when completely folded: 30 mm
• Maximum swing: 450 mm
• Height can be easily adjusted by a single person (e.g. with a crank handle or portable electric drill)
• The module can be easily mounted and removed for cleaning or repairing. Using screws for mounting is acceptable.
• Only few modifications are necessary on MaxiPac box (e.g. some holes)
• The module remains in the transport box all the time even when the box is folded and shipped back to the supplier.
• The space below the box floor cannot be used, only the 30 mm space within the box may be used.
• Easy to clean and maintenance free
• Low acquisition cost (6500 pcs.). Price per piece is a relevant awarding criterion.
• Cost for building a proof of concept prototype is not higher than CHF 2000.

Dimensions of “MaxiPac”:

• Outer dimension: 800 x 600 x 1000 mm
• Inner dimensions: 756 x 556 x 846 mm
• Height when folded: 346 mm
• Height when unfolded: 1000 mm

• Have a thorough understanding of the market, if there is already an existing solution or concept.
• Have an overview of different ways to solve the mechanical challenge described in the project overview.
• Create inspiration for the subsequent concept challenge.

The submitted contribution

• has the potential to meet the requirements described in “Target Requirements”
• is complete and understandable, as described in “Deliverables”.
• is unique, i.e. not already covered by previous posts. Duplicate contributions are not considered.

This is an ideation challenge. You can either post your own ideas, or you can post existing solutions you found during your market research. You do not need to submit detailed concepts in this project stage.

• Provide new ideas or references to existing solutions or concepts.
• If you are not the owner of the idea (regarding copyright or intellectual property), you must provide the full reference (URL) to the owner.
• Describe the working principle.
• Describe which target requirements can be met and point out which ones are not met.
• Describe in which way your idea is different to and better than previous posts.
• Please highlight the advantages as well as limitations of your idea.
• Specify by which other contributions and by which websites you have been inspired.
• Optionally, describe how your idea can be combined with other ideas already posted.

Total award sum is CHF 4500.

Compensations
The first 20 contributions with unique content (own ideas or references to existing concepts) and that fulfill the Contribution Quality Requirements (see above) will receive a compensation of CHF 150 solely payable to a PayPal account. The client decides which contributions are duplicates. In case of duplicates, only the first contribution receives the compensation.
The client decides which contributions fulfill the Contribution Quality Requirements and thus are eligible for a compensation. Shorter contributions, which do not fulfill the Contribution Quality Requirements, are appreciated and might be awarded, but do not receive this compensation.

Awards
Ideas that are key contributions to winning concepts in the subsequent concept challenge will receive an award of CHF 50 to 500, up to a total of CHF 1500, depending on its relevance to the problem solving, payable to a bank account or to a PayPal account. The client evaluates and decides on the relevance of the ideas to the winning concepts and allocates the award proportionally within the range mentioned above.
The awards are paid even if the subsequent concepts turn out to fail.
Please note that the awarding can only take place after the subsequent challenge is completed.

Abort conditions
The client can decide to stop the development project and not to publish the subsequent concept challenge. In this case, the client evaluates the quality and relevance of the ideas and proportionally allocates the award to the best ideas.

By submitting your contribution, you grant an unlimited (in time, scope and territory), non-exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable and royalty free license to the client to use your contribution.
If you are not the owner of the intellectual property, you provide the full reference of the rightful owner.