Bulk Bin Retention Clip for Rod-Less Hinge Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible bulk bin containers with rod-less hinge elements require additional structures to retain side walls to the base, often necessitating weakening of hinge elements or using multiple pieces, which complicates installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A retention clip with a first and second blocking segment, connected by an arm, is used to secure both hinge pins of a molded-in hinge axis within a hinge pocket, eliminating the need for hinge rods and simplifying the retention mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If rod-less hinge elements are used to eliminate hinge rods, then ease of manufacture and device complexity are improved, but additional separate structure is needed to retain side walls which weakens hinge elements or requires multiple pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The retention clip combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it retains the side wall to the base, blocks both hinge pins simultaneously, and attaches to the wall extension. This merging eliminates the need for separate retention structures and multiple pieces, resolving the contradiction by reducing device complexity while maintaining strength through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention clip serves multiple purposes: it acts as a retention mechanism, a blocking mechanism for both hinge pins, and an attachment component to the wall extension. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate structures, improving ease of manufacture and reducing overall complexity.
2Reliability
If separate structure is used to retain side walls, then retention capability is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation are worsened due to multiple pieces
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the retention function and blocking function into a single retention clip component, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and installed. This single-component solution maintains reliable side wall retention while significantly improving ease of manufacture and installation compared to multiple separate pieces.
3Reliability
If multiple pieces are used for retention structure, then retention capability is improved, but device complexity and installation time are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The retention clip consolidates multiple retention and blocking functions into a single component, reducing the number of assembly steps and installation operations required. This merging directly reduces installation time while maintaining the reliability of side wall retention that would otherwise require multiple separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A bulk bin container having a retention clip for blocking both a first and second pin of a hinge axis element is provided. The container includes a generally rectangular base having one or more upward wall extensions along the edges of the base where each extension includes a plurality of hinge pockets for receiving a hinge axis element from the side walls. The retention clips connect to the base for blocking both the first hinge pin and the second hinge pin of the hinge axis element.