Breakaway Container With Single Release for Complete Disassembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current breakaway containers require multiple release mechanisms, are flimsy, or necessitate physical intervention for opening, and may not fully separate, compromising their integrity and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A breakaway container design featuring rigid panels, end caps, tension bands, and a single passive release mechanism that allows the container to open without physical intervention and fully disassemble, maintaining structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple release mechanisms are used in breakaway containers, then the container can be opened, but the device complexity increases and the container becomes flimsy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer opening capabilityVSAvoidnumber of release mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple release functions into a single release mechanism. The tension band is configured to engage with multiple tongue and groove features simultaneously, allowing one release mechanism to control the separation of multiple container segments, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container is divided into multiple separable segments (first container segment, second container segment, etc.) that can be independently released. Each segment has its own tongue and groove features that interface with the tension band, enabling controlled separation through a single release mechanism that acts on the unified tension band system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a single release mechanism is used in breakaway containers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the container may be flimsy or unable to be handled as a single piece

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of release mechanismsVSAvoidcontainer structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The tension band is pre-configured in a constrained state that holds all container segments together as a single unified structure. The tongue and groove features are预先 positioned to engage with the tension band, creating a rigid assembled state before release. This preliminary configuration ensures the container can be handled as one piece until the release mechanism is activated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The container segments are designed with self-aligning tongue and groove features that automatically engage with the tension band during assembly. The tension band itself serves as both the fastening element and the structural backbone, providing rigidity without requiring additional support structures or multiple release mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If physical intervention is required to open the container, then the container can be controlled, but the ease of operation is reduced and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassive opening capabilityVSAvoidphysical intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical intervention with an automated release mechanism that triggers the separation of container segments. The release mechanism is coupled to the tension band such that activation of the release mechanism automatically causes the tension band to disengage from the tongue and groove features, initiating the separation process without requiring physical manipulation of the container segments themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If the container does not completely break apart, then structural integrity is maintained, but the breakaway function is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplete separation capabilityVSAvoidcontainer integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The tension band is extracted as the primary fastening element that, when released, enables complete separation of the container segments. The tongue and groove features are designed to fully disengage from the tension band, allowing the container to completely break apart into its constituent segments. This extraction of the fastening function to a single removable element (the tension band) ensures complete separation while maintaining integrity during the assembled state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20250320029A1Breakaway Container

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

AI summary

A breakaway container includes two or more rigid panels, two or more end caps, one or more tension bands, and one or more release mechanisms. The one or more tension bands are wrapped around the two or more rigid panels. Each tension band has at least one release mechanism attached to hold each tension band together and are configured to activate and release the one or more tension bands. The two or more rigid panels and the two or more end caps include edges where the edges of the two or more rigid panels and the edges of the two or more end caps fit together and transfer a load to the one or more tension bands to form an enclosed shape with a hollow open space within the enclosed shape.