Collapsible Container Cell Assembly with Adjustable Panel Lengths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collapsible container assemblies face challenges in accommodating varying dimensions and materials, leading to deformation or inability to fit within the container when expanded, due to insufficient flexibility and adaptability in panel lengths and joint configurations.

Innovation Solution

The collapsible container assembly features a cell assembly with adjustable panel lengths and configurations, allowing for expansion and contraction by varying the length of panels and joints, with an extra dimensional length (X) added to accommodate stress and prevent deformation, enabling the assembly to match the container's configuration through strategic cutting or removal of portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed panel lengths and joint configurations are used in collapsible container assemblies, then manufacturing is simplified, but the assembly cannot accommodate varying container dimensions and materials, leading to deformation or inability to fit when expanded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying container dimensionsVSAvoidpanel length and joint configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by providing panels with variable lengths and joint configurations that can be selected based on the specific container dimensions and material properties. Different panel lengths (e.g., first length, second length, third length) and joint types are used to adapt the cell assembly to match the container's configuration, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If panels are made rigid to maintain structural integrity during expansion, then deformation is prevented, but the assembly cannot collapse efficiently and fit within the container frame

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrity during expansionVSAvoidcollapse efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by designing panels and joints that can transition between rigid and flexible states. During expansion, the panels maintain rigidity to prevent deformation, while during collapse, the joints allow controlled flexing and movement. This dynamic behavior enables the assembly to both maintain structural integrity and collapse efficiently for storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If extra dimensional length is added to panels to accommodate stress, then deformation is prevented, but the panel length increases beyond what is needed for basic structural support

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to deformation under stressVSAvoidpanel length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by adding extra dimensional length (X) specifically at critical locations where stress concentration occurs during expansion and collapse. Rather than uniformly increasing all panel lengths, the additional length is strategically placed to provide stress accommodation and prevent deformation only where needed, maintaining overall efficiency while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3414171B1Container assembly having a cell assembly therein
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 ITB PACKAGING LLC
  • EP3414171B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3414171B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3H
  • EP3414171B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

A collapsible container assembly includes a folding container having at least two walls pivotable relative to each other at a corresponding corner disposed between the at least two walls, the folding container movable between a collapsed position wherein the at least two walls are disposed adjacent to one another and an extended position where in the at least two walls are spaced from each other, and an inside cellular structure (114) attached to at least a portion of the at least two walls, the cellular structure (114) comprising a plurality of panels (132) forming the cellular structure (114).