Collapsible Container with Continuous Rim for Torsional Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible containers face issues with maintaining stability in the unfolded position while minimizing volume in the folded transport position, leading to potential damage due to low torsional rigidity.
Innovation Solution
The collapsible container design features a closed, fully circumferential and constant-height base edge with side walls fully enclosed within and below the base edge in the folded position, utilizing spaced pivot axes and a reinforcing matrix with alternating projections and recesses to enhance stability and reduce volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the collapsible container is folded to minimize volume for transport, then the folded volume is reduced, but the torsional rigidity decreases causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is designed with a reinforced rim structure before the folding action occurs. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that when the container is folded to minimal volume, the base plate already has the necessary torsional rigidity to resist damage during compression and transport, eliminating the weakness that would otherwise exist in the folded state
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of uniformly thickening the entire base plate, the reinforcement is localized to the rim area where it is most needed for torsional resistance during folding. This localized reinforcement at the perimeter provides maximum structural support for volume reduction while minimizing overall material usage and maintaining flexibility in the side walls
2Stability of the object's composition
If stiffening elements are added to side walls to prevent buckling in unfolded position, then stability in operating position is improved, but the folded volume increases and torsional rigidity in folded position may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement strategy shifts from adding elements in the vertical dimension (which would increase folded volume) to optimizing the horizontal rim structure of the base plate. By reinforcing the base plate's perimeter in the horizontal plane, the side walls gain support for buckling resistance without requiring additional vertical thickness that would prevent compact folding
3Ease of operation
If the base plate has a non-uniform rim with depressions or projections, then attachment points for side walls are improved, but the torsional rigidity in folded position decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate rim is designed with uniform height and consistent cross-section around its entire perimeter. This homogeneous structure distributes torsional stresses evenly during folding and transport, preventing stress concentration points that would arise from depressions or projections, while still providing adequate attachment surfaces for the side walls through the uniform rim geometry
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
This design ensures minimal volume and increased torsional rigidity, preventing buckling and damage during transport, while maintaining stability in all positions.
Implementation Method 1
A completely continuous rim, meaning an uninterrupted rim without abrupt height differences or jumps, ensures that the base resists torsional stress and does not buckle at any point.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a collapsible container (2) with a base plate (4), side walls (6, 8) pivotally hinged to the base plate (4) and a release lever (12) which is arranged on at least one side wall (6) in order to release a locking mechanism of two side walls (6, 8) in an upright operating position when the collapsible container (2) is moved in a vertical direction beyond an upper edge of the side wall (6), in order to pivot the side walls (6, 8) into a folded transport position, wherein the base plate (4) has a closed, fully circumferential and constant height bottom edge (16) and the side walls (6, 8) are located completely inside and completely below the bottom edge (16) in the folded transport position.