Collapsible Cart Hinge Assembly for Tool-Free Space-Saving Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wheeled carts occupy unnecessary space when not in use and pose storage challenges, requiring a collapsible design that can transition between configurations without the need for tools.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible cart with hinge assemblies that allow panels to move between 0 to 90 degrees relative to each other, using nonreleasable fasteners to lock the hinges, enabling tool-free assembly and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a cart is designed to be collapsible for space-saving storage, then storage efficiency is improved, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cart is divided into multiple panels (front panel, rear panel, side panels, bottom panel) that can be independently folded and collapsed. Each panel is connected through hinge assemblies, allowing the cart to be segmented into manageable sections for easy storage while maintaining structural integrity during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collapsible cart design allows panels to nest within each other during collapse, with the bottom panel folding parallel to the front panel and side panels folding inward. This nesting arrangement maximizes space efficiency while keeping the folding mechanism relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If traditional fastening methods are used for panel connections, then structural strength is improved, but tool requirement for assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel connection strengthVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly incorporates a self-fastening mechanism where the insert member with hinge automatically engages with the receiving member through a snap-fit action. The nonreleasable fastener with prongs and enlarged ends self-locks into the receiving member's channel and indentations, eliminating the need for external tools during assembly while maintaining strong panel connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If hinge assemblies allow wide range of motion for versatility, then adaptability is improved, but structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning versatilityVSAvoidpanel stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing adjacent panels to move between 0 to 90 degrees relative to each other. This enables the cart to transition between collapsed and expanded configurations while maintaining stability in each position through the nonreleasable fastener that locks the hinge in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260021839A1Collapsible devices with hinge assemblies

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 JOURNE BRANDS INC

AI summary

A collapsible cart with four panels configured in a rectangular shape, with adjacent panels coupled at their adjacent edges by hinge assemblies that include a nonreleasable fastener with engaging portions that are hidden and not accessible after the fastener is mounted. The hinge assemblies the coupled panels in a manner that enables the panels to move and swing in allowing the cart to move between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.