Collapsible Caddy with Elastic Membrane and Adjustable Dividers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage containers for food items, utensils, and paper goods are bulky, require multiple sizes for different items, and occupy significant storage space when not in use, lacking a compact and customizable organization system.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible caddy with a lip and membrane design that transitions from a collapsed to an extended configuration, featuring handles, female connectors, and dividers for customizable storage and organization, allowing for efficient storage and carrying of items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional storage containers are used for food items, utensils, and paper goods, then storage functionality is provided, but the containers are bulky and occupy significant storage space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The caddy is divided into multiple compartments separated by dividers, allowing different types of items (utensils, paper goods, food items) to be organized separately. This segmentation provides versatile storage organization while maintaining a compact overall structure that reduces storage space requirements when collapsed.
Solution Approach 2:
The caddy employs a collapsible design with movable walls and dividers that can be adjusted between extended and collapsed states. This dynamic structure allows the container to adapt its volume based on usage needs, providing large storage capacity when extended and compact form when collapsed, thereby resolving the contradiction between storage space requirement and organization capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple containers of differing sizes are purchased to accommodate different sized items, then storage organization is improved, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The caddy is designed as a universal container that can accommodate various types of items (food, utensils, paper goods) of different sizes through its adjustable dividers and compartments. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized containers, providing item accommodation flexibility while reducing total storage space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible design allows the caddy to nest into a compact form when not in use, similar to nested dolls. This nesting capability enables a single container to provide the functionality of multiple containers while occupying minimal storage space when collapsed.
3Device complexity
If a single storage compartment of a single size is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to store different sized items is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The caddy incorporates multiple compartments created by adjustable dividers, transforming a single compartment design into a segmented structure. This segmentation provides storage customization for different sized items while maintaining relatively simple construction using basic structural elements that can be easily assembled and adjusted.
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 collapsible caddy provides a compact, efficient, and customizable storage solution that reduces storage space requirements and accommodates various items, making it suitable for barbecues or picnics.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane (300) including a resilient and tubular body defining a top portion connected to the lip and a lower portion
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible caddy for organizing, storing, and carrying food, condiments, paper goods, or utensils is provided having a lip including a body, the body having a substantially rectangular-shaped profile defining an opening there along, an interior surface, and an exterior surface, where the opening of the lip defines a lip axis and the interior surface includes one female connector, one handle extends away from the exterior surface and connects to a movable handle or handlebar; a membrane including a resilient and tubular body defining a top portion connected to the lip and a lower portion, the body having a substantially trapezoidal-shaped transverse cross-sectional profile defining an opening therealong, wherein the opening extends from the top portion to the lower portion, and a base including a substantially rectangular and flat body defining a surface base, the base connected to the lower portion of the membrane.