Active Container with Air-Actuated Moveable Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to increase customer interest in portable containers, as existing designs lack engaging features that capture attention and enhance user interaction.
Innovation Solution
The development of active containers with user-controlled moveable elements, utilizing an actuator assembly that includes a collapsible structure and a remote actuator with flexible layers, which are operated by air pressure to animate thematic features such as animal or monster designs, providing a unique and interactive experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional static container designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but customer interest and user engagement are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static container into an active container with moveable elements that can change configuration. The container includes actuators that enable walls, lids, or other components to move between different positions, allowing the container to adapt its shape and functionality based on user input or environmental conditions, thereby increasing customer interest while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through sensors that automatically detect environmental conditions (such as temperature, humidity, or presence of objects) and trigger appropriate container responses without requiring constant manual intervention. The container can autonomously adjust its configuration, activate cooling or heating elements, or communicate its status, reducing the burden on users while enhancing engagement through intelligent behavior
2Ease of operation
If moveable elements are added to increase interactivity, then user engagement improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the container into multiple independent modules, each with its own actuator and control system. This allows individual walls, lids, or compartments to be controlled separately, enabling complex overall behavior while keeping each individual actuator mechanism simple and manageable. The modular approach facilitates easier manufacturing and maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing actuators and control systems that can perform multiple functions. A single actuator mechanism may control both the position of a wall and the activation of associated sensors or displays. The control system is designed to manage various moveable elements using similar control algorithms and interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining rich user interaction capabilities
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively increases customer interest by providing interactive and thematic portable containers that can be manually controlled, enhancing the user experience and appealing to children and young adults through animated features, while maintaining robustness and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a first actuating mechanism coupled to the handle portion, the first actuating mechanism having a bulb defining a first actuating volume containing a first quantity of air, the bulb repeatably collapsible to expel a portion of the first quantity of air through a first actuating port of the bulb
Implementation Method 2
a first remote actuator having a pair of flexible layers forming a non-deformable actuating balloon defining a second actuating volume accessible through a second actuating port, the first remote actuator having a fixed portion foldably coupled to a moving portion at a fold region
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for increasing customer interest in containers. A set of actuating components are coupled to moveable elements of an active container, the moveable elements respond to operation of an actuating mechanism in a handle portion.