Collapsible Carrying Cases With Integral Living Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible and reusable carrying cases lack versatility in size options and require complex assembly/disassembly mechanisms, often involving heavy metal hinges and latches, which are not durable or environmentally friendly.
Innovation Solution
Development of collapsible carrying cases constructed from rigid plastic panels with integral fittings and living hinges, allowing for progressive assembly and disassembly without tools, featuring snap connections and optional reinforcement for durability and water resistance, enabling easy size variation and reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional metal hinges and latches are used for assembly, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the hinge and latch functions directly into the panel structures themselves through molded-in features. The recesses and protrusions are formed as integral parts of the panels, eliminating the need for separate metal hinges and latches. This merging of functions reduces component count and assembly complexity while maintaining structural strength through the interlocking geometry of the integrated features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical metal hinges and latches with molded plastic interlocking features. The recesses and protrusions create a mechanical connection through geometric interlocking rather than through separate metal fastening components. This substitution reduces device complexity and weight while providing sufficient structural strength for the application.
2Ease of manufacture
If molded plastic panels with integral fittings are used, then ease of manufacture and environmental friendliness are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the panel and fitting features into a single molded component. The recesses and protrusions are formed integral to the panels during the molding process, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing steps for attachments. This integration simplifies manufacture while the molding process inherently provides the necessary precision through tooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the molding process parameters to achieve the required precision. By controlling mold temperature, injection pressure, and cooling rates, the manufacturing process can produce consistent, precise interlocking features directly during forming, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing adjustment or assembly of separate components.
3Volume of moving object
If collapsible design is implemented, then storage efficiency is improved, but reliability of closure may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the carrying case into collapsible panels with integrated closure features. The recesses and protrusions are positioned to engage when panels are collapsed, creating reliable closure in the compressed state. This segmentation allows the structure to transition between expanded (storage) and collapsed (storage efficiency) states while maintaining closure reliability through the interlocking features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic closure system where the recesses and protrusions engage at different positions depending on whether the panels are collapsed or expanded. When collapsed, the features provide secure closure; when expanded, they allow for easy opening and access. This dynamic behavior maintains reliability across different operational states.
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 solution provides a versatile, durable, and environmentally friendly carrying case that can be reused multiple times, with a low initial cost, and can be refurbished, offering a Green Friendly alternative to traditional cardboard boxes.
Implementation Method 1
living hinges integral with the flat sections
Implementation Method 2
releasable closure attachments where side edges of the side and end panels meet
Data Source
AI summary
Collapsible reusable carrying cases are provided in sizes varying from small food containers to large push cart bins on casters. The cases are assembled or disassembled from a joined flat space-saving configuration to a functioning case and vice-versa. All parts that make up a carrying case do not separate from the carrying case and no parts can be removed. The cases are formed from rigid plastic panels, and are assembled or disassembled without tools. 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.