Collapsible Carrying Case With Integral Snap Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible and reusable carrying cases lack versatility in size options, durability, and waterproof features, particularly for storing and transporting food, water, and vital supplies to remote regions without sophisticated utilities, and they often require heavy machinery for unloading.
Innovation Solution
Development of collapsible, foldable, and reusable carrying cases made from rigid plastic panels with integral fittings and corrugated plastic panels, featuring interlocking edges, living hinges, and snap mechanisms for easy assembly and disassembly, which are resistant to water, dirt, and inclement weather, and can be labeled for identification and reused multiple times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If collapsible carrying cases are made from rigid plastic panels with integral fittings, then durability and waterproof features are improved, but device complexity increases due to interlocking edges and snap mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the panel and fitting into a single integral structure, eliminating separate components while maintaining the interlocking functionality. This merging approach preserves durability and waterproof features without requiring complex assembly mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking edges and snap mechanisms are designed to serve multiple functions: structural connection, waterproof sealing, and easy assembly/disassembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
2Ease of operation
If collapsible carrying cases use interlocking edges and snap mechanisms for easy assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The snap mechanisms are designed to automatically engage and lock panels together without requiring external tools or complex manipulation. The interlocking edges self-align and secure, enabling users to assemble and disassemble the cases through simple actions.
3Reliability
If collapsible carrying cases are made waterproof and durable for remote regions, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin film-like plastic panels that provide waterproof and weather-resistant properties without the weight of traditional rigid materials. The flexible nature of these panels maintains durability while minimizing weight.
4Adaptability or versatility
If collapsible carrying cases are designed in various sizes for different supplies, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying cases are divided into modular panels of standardized dimensions that can be assembled in different configurations. This segmentation allows the creation of various sizes and shapes using the same basic components, reducing the need for entirely different designs for each size.
Data Source
AI summary
Collapsible reusable watertight carrying cases are provided in sizes varying from small containers to large sealable container bins on wheels, to provide large quantities of water to remote areas not served by public water supplies, or where water supplies are unavailable because of weather disasters. The cases are assembled or disassembled from a joined flat space-saving configuration to a functioning case and vice-versa. The sides of the cases are erected progressively by hand by interlocking elements at the corners. The panels also disassemble progressively by being manually pulled apart. When folded into a flat storage or shipping configuration, the panels stay together, resisting unfolding by virtue of snaps which are either molded into the panels or bonded to them. The carrying cases are resistant to water, dirt, bacteria, molds, allergens, and inclement weather.