Collapsible Carrier With Sliding Partition Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container carriers lack structural stability, reusability, and ease of use for transporting larger and heavier items like half-gallon milk or juice cartons, and cannot be easily collapsed and expanded for storage.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible basket-type carrier constructed from corrugated fiberboard with an umbrella-type mechanism, allowing interior partition panels to slide up and down through vertical slots, enabling easy conversion between expanded and collapsed states for secure and balanced transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If existing carrier designs are used, then they can transport beverages, but they lack structural stability for larger and heavier containers like half-gallon cartons
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier employs a dynamic collapsible structure with interconnected panels that can transition between expanded and collapsed states. The side panels, bottom panels, and partition panels are connected through fold lines and slots, allowing the carrier to adapt its shape and volume while maintaining structural integrity when loaded with heavy containers.
2Ease of operation
If existing carrier designs are used, then they provide basic transport function, but they cannot be easily collapsed and expanded for storage and reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is divided into multiple separable panels (front, back, side, bottom, and partition panels) connected by fold lines and sliding slots. This segmentation allows each panel to move independently during collapse and expansion, enabling easy transformation between states while maintaining reliable connections through adhesive bonding and interlocking features.
3Reliability
If a sturdy and durable carrier is designed, then it can support effective long-term use, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple structural components are merged into a single integrated blank from which all panels are formed. The front, back, side, bottom, and partition panels are all part of one continuous structure with fold lines and slots, eliminating the need for separate pieces and complex assembly while maintaining durability through the unified construction.
4Ease of operation
If the carrier is made compact for storage, then it improves ease of operation, but it reduces the volume available for containers
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier utilizes dynamic panel configurations that allow it to transition between a compact collapsed state for storage and a fully expanded state with maximum receptacle volume for transporting containers. The side and bottom panels expand outward from the handle panels to create the carrying space when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A basket-type carrier formed from a single blank of foldable sheet material and method for forming is disclosed. The carrier has a pair of handle panels, a pair of bottom panels, a pair of bottom reinforcement panels, a front panel, a back panel, side panels, side reinforcement panels, side flaps, interior partition panels, and interior partition attachment flaps. The carrier is collapsed and expanded by means of an umbrella-type mechanism wherein side flaps connected to side panels and to interior partition panels slide up and down between the handle panels. This positions front, back, side, and bottom panels in either the collapsed position with these panels folded against the handle panels, flattening the carrier for storage, or in the expanded position with these panels pulled away from the handle panels, expanding the carrier to receive articles.