Collapsible Bulk Container Sleeve Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulk material containers face issues with maintaining the outer sleeve in an optimal position during handling and use, leading to potential sliding and decreased effectiveness in reinforcing the forming member, and require improvements in assembly processes to securely position the sleeve.
Innovation Solution
A bulk container system featuring a forming member with interconnected sidewalls, a locking assembly, and an outer tubular sleeve made of woven polypropylene, with cooperative fasteners that secure the sleeve to the locking assembly, preventing upward sliding and facilitating easy assembly by sliding the sleeve over the forming member, and tucking excess material into receptor slots for retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the outer sleeve is folded inwardly along the sidewalls and tucked into gaps for storage, then the container is compact for transport, but the sleeve may be dislodged during handling and sliding across pallets
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is pre-positioned and secured in its folded state during assembly, with fasteners engaged before the container is placed on the pallet. This preliminary securing prevents the sleeve from being dislodged during subsequent handling and sliding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism is designed to automatically secure the sleeve to the forming member through interlocking features, eliminating the need for additional manual fastening operations and ensuring reliable positioning without external intervention.
2Strength
If the sleeve is secured tightly to prevent sliding, then structural integrity is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening features are integrated directly into the forming member and locking assembly structures, combining the securing function with existing components. This merging approach provides strong attachment while avoiding additional separate fastening mechanisms that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking fastening features are designed to automatically engage and secure the sleeve during assembly through the natural folding and positioning actions, eliminating the need for complex manual fastening procedures while ensuring strong structural attachment.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sleeve is made longer to extend below lower edges for folding, then the sleeve can be secured to the locking assembly, but excess material requires tucking into receptor slots
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is pre-configured with predetermined fold lines and receptor slot positions during manufacturing, allowing the excess material to be systematically folded and secured in advance. This preliminary configuration simplifies the final assembly process by eliminating the need for complex manual tucking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is divided into distinct functional sections with predetermined fold lines and receptor slots, allowing the excess material to be systematically segmented and folded into designated receptacles. This segmentation provides organized integration of the sleeve with the locking assembly while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible bulk material container apparatus, kit and method of assembly employ a forming member having a plurality of interconnected sidewalls, a locking mechanism that fixedly orients the sidewalls continuously about an internal bulk material receiving cavity, and a tubular open-ended woven fabric sleeve that supportively overlies the sidewalls. A connector system rapidly engageable during container assembly, fixedly secures the support sleeve of an unloaded container against subsequent upward movement along the sidewalls. Strategically located friction reducing surfaces of the forming member facilitates sliding assembly of the sleeve over the forming member sidewalls.