Foldable Box Pretensioning Element Mounting for Locking Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable boxes for transporting goods experience premature breakage of pretensioning elements due to stress from repeated folding and unfolding cycles, leading to unreliable locking mechanisms during transport.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pretensioning element that is only mounted to the unlocking mechanism, with a free end applied to the upper frame, allowing for both lateral and vertical movement, reducing stress on the central section and preventing breakage by generating a restoring force that returns the unlocking mechanism to its rest position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pretensioning element is firmly clamped between the upper frame and the unlocking bar, then the locking mechanism provides stable locking force, but the pretensioning element breaks prematurely due to stress from repeated folding cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the pretensioning element dynamically adjustable in its mounting position. The element can be laterally adjusted along the upper frame and vertically positioned to optimize its orientation. This dynamic positioning allows the pretensioning element to accommodate stress variations during folding cycles while maintaining effective locking force, preventing premature breakage through repeated rigid mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the pretensioning element's mounting configuration. By allowing lateral adjustment along the upper frame and vertical positioning, the element's orientation and stress distribution parameters can be optimized. This parameter adjustment enables the element to better withstand repeated folding stresses while maintaining reliable locking performance.
2Force
If the pretensioning element is rigidly mounted to both the upper frame and unlocking bar, then effective locking force is maintained, but stress concentration causes breakage after finite transport cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the pretensioning element's mounting system. The element can be laterally repositioned along the upper frame and vertically adjusted to optimize its orientation. This dynamic capability allows the element to distribute stress more effectively during locking operations while maintaining sufficient locking force, preventing stress concentration-induced breakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the mounting parameters of the pretensioning element by enabling lateral and vertical adjustment. These parameter changes optimize the element's orientation and stress distribution, allowing it to maintain effective locking force while reducing peak stress concentrations that lead to premature failure during repeated transport cycles.
3Device complexity
If the pretensioning element is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate stress variations during folding and unfolding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable mounting system for the pretensioning element. The element can be laterally repositioned along the upper frame and vertically adjusted to optimize its orientation. This dynamic capability, while adding some structural complexity, enables the element to accommodate stress variations during folding and unfolding operations, significantly improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adjustment of the pretensioning element's mounting parameters (lateral position and vertical orientation). This parameter adjustability allows the element to adapt to stress variations during box folding and unfolding cycles, improving reliability without requiring overly complex mounting mechanisms.
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
This configuration ensures secure locking and prevents breakage of the pretensioning element even after multiple transport cycles, maintaining the integrity of the locking mechanism and ensuring reliable box stability during transport.
Implementation Method 1
the pretensioning element pretensioning the unlocking mechanism into its rest position... generating a restoring force that returns the unlocking mechanism to its rest position
Data Source
AI summary
A box includes a floor and at least two pairs of opposing sidewalls extending upwards from the floor in the vertical direction. The sidewalls are arranged foldably with respect to the floor and may be locked with each other in their upfolded position. At least one of the sidewalls includes an unlocking mechanism which is movable between a rest position and an unlocking position in which the locking of the sidewalls is undone. The unlocking mechanism includes at least one pretensioning element which pretensions the unlocking mechanism into its rest position and includes a first end connected to the unlocking mechanism or the sidewall and a second, free end.