Collapsible Container Self-Sealing Channel Fasteners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collapsible and reusable containers lack watertightness and durability for transporting liquids and dry cargo, especially in remote regions without sophisticated utilities, and require additional seals and heavy machinery for unloading.

Innovation Solution

Development of collapsible, foldable, and reusable containers with self-sealing reciprocating channel edge fasteners made from molded or corrugated plastic panels, featuring U-shaped or J-shaped channels and channel engaging members for watertight connections, eliminating the need for additional seals and allowing easy assembly and disassembly without tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional collapsible containers use simple hinge connections, then assembly is easy, but watertightness cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovewatertightnessVSAvoidconnection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure is divided into multiple functional elements: channel members with engagement protrusions, complementary channel members with recesses, and integrated seal members. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively achieving watertight sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seal member is merged with the channel member to form an integrated component. This combining of sealing function with structural connection function simplifies the overall assembly while ensuring reliable watertight connections between container panels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If additional seal members are added to achieve watertightness, then sealing reliability improves, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovewatertightnessVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seal member is integrated into the channel member as a unified component, eliminating the need for separate seal installations. This merging ensures watertight sealing while maintaining simple assembly procedures, as the seal is already positioned correctly within the channel structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The channel members are designed with self-aligning features including engagement protrusions and complementary recesses that guide proper positioning during assembly. The integrated seal automatically assumes its sealing position when the channels engage, eliminating the need for separate sealing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If rigid connecting structures are used, then structural strength improves, but collapsibility and foldability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidcollapsibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure incorporates movable elements that allow the container to transition between expanded and collapsed states. The channel members are designed to engage firmly when extended (providing strength) while allowing controlled movement during folding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The container is divided into modular panels connected by articulated channel members. This segmentation allows each panel to move independently during folding while maintaining structural integrity when assembled, enabling both strength and collapsibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If simple connection mechanisms are used, then assembly speed improves, but durability and reusability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidreusability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism uses dynamic engagement features including spring-loaded or flexible seal members that maintain constant contact pressure. This ensures reliable sealing over repeated assembly and disassembly cycles while allowing quick connection through simple panel engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The seal members are pre-positioned and pre-compressed within the channel structures during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when panels are connected, the seals are already in their optimal sealing position, enabling both rapid assembly and durable, reusable connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12151728B2Collapsible reusable dry or liquid storage containers

Publication Date: 2024.11.26 ALLPILLARS INC

AI summary

Collapsible reusable watertight carrying cases are provided in sizes varying from small containers without wheels to large sealable container bins on wheels, to provide large quantities of water or other supplies and cargo. 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 self sealing reciprocating channel and channel engaging members elements at the corners. The panels also disassemble progressively by being manually pulled apart. Optional foldable locking latches provide stability and aesthetics to the carrying case. 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.