Collapsible Container With Cellular Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating collapsible containers do not efficiently allow for a compact, flat configuration that maintains structural integrity and ease of assembly, particularly in folding and expanding configurations.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible container assembly featuring interconnected panels forming cells that can be folded into a parallelogram motion, with a mechanical fastener such as glue, staples, or a hook and loop mechanism to attach a cellular structure to the container walls, enabling a flat collapsed position and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the container is designed to be collapsible with folding walls, then the volume and storage efficiency are improved, but the structural integrity and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container walls are divided into multiple panels that can fold relative to each other. Each panel maintains structural integrity while the segmented design enables collapse. The cellular structure is also segmented into multiple cells formed by interconnected panels, providing strength while allowing overall collapse.
Solution Approach 2:
The cellular structure with multiple cells is nested within the folding container walls. The cells are formed by panels that are part of the wall structure itself, creating a nested configuration that provides internal support while maintaining the ability of the outer walls to fold and collapse.
2Strength
If the container walls are made with thick panels for strength, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ability to fold and collapse deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The walls are segmented into multiple thinner panels rather than using single thick panels. This segmentation allows each panel to be flexible enough for folding while maintaining overall structural strength through the cellular configuration and interconnections.
Solution Approach 2:
The container uses thin panel walls that are flexible enough to fold and collapse. The flexibility is compensated for by the cellular structure configuration, where multiple thin panels work together to provide the necessary structural support without requiring thick individual panels.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cellular structure is attached to the container walls, then the structural stability is improved, but the complexity of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cellular structure panels are merged with the container wall panels, forming a unified structure. The same panels that make up the walls also form the cellular cells, eliminating the need for separate attachment processes and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels serve multiple functions: they form the container walls, create the cellular structure, and provide structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps needed, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining stability.
4Volume of moving object
If the container is designed to collapse completely flat, then the storage efficiency is improved, but the structural integrity during collapse deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into multiple panels and cells that can fold and collapse in a coordinated manner. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain integrity during collapse by distributing stresses across multiple segments rather than concentrating them in single thick components.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design allows dynamic movement of panels relative to each other during collapse, transitioning from an expanded stable configuration to a collapsed flat configuration. The cellular structure maintains integrity throughout this dynamic process by providing a framework that guides the folding motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible container assembly comprising a folding container having at least four walls, with the at least four walls being pivotable relative to each other to allow the folding container to collapse in a parallelogram motion, and an inside cellular structure connected to the at least four walls. The cellular structure comprises a plurality of interconnected panels forming a plurality of cells, with the panels being formed of soft, deformable material. The folding container can be folded with the inside cellular structure therein such that the collapsible container assembly will be substantially flat when the folding container is moved to a collapsed position.