Collapsible Container Dynamic Legs and Locking Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional rigid container designs lead to inefficiencies in shipping and hauling, as partially filled containers occupy unnecessary space, causing backhauling issues and imbalances in container distribution between high and low volume processing centers, resulting in increased costs and reduced delivery efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible container design that allows for folding and stacking configurations, optimizing space usage by enabling full or partially loaded containers to be dispatched, and featuring adjustable legs, anchor members, and locking mechanisms for secure transport and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rigid container designs are used, then structural strength and stability are maintained, but shipping space efficiency deteriorates due to empty containers occupying unnecessary space
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs dynamic legs that can be extended or retracted based on operational needs. When extended, the legs provide structural support and stability; when retracted, they reduce the container's footprint for efficient stacking and storage. This dynamic adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction between maintaining structural strength and optimizing shipping space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure is divided into separable components, particularly the legs that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the container to transition between different configurations - fully extended for stability during loading/unloading, partially extended for transport, or fully retracted for compact stacking - thereby optimizing both strength and space efficiency at different operational stages.
2Volume of moving object
If collapsible container designs are used, then space utilization is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex folding and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates spring-loaded slam latches that automatically engage when panels are closed, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. The spring mechanism provides automatic latching force, and the design includes automatic release features that allow panels to be easily opened by simply pulling them away from the locking position. This self-service mechanism simplifies operation while maintaining the collapsible design's space-saving benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as cam-actuated release mechanisms and linkage systems that mediate between the user's simple pulling motion and the complex panel release process. These intermediaries translate simple user actions into coordinated panel movements and lock releases, making the complex collapsible structure easy to operate.
3Productivity
If side panels are made foldable, then stacking efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential instability during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The side panels are designed with dynamic locking capabilities that adapt to different operational states. During transport, the panels lock into a rigid, stable configuration that ensures reliability. When stacking is required, the panels can be folded while maintaining structural integrity through controlled hinge mechanisms and interlocking features. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between stacking efficiency and transport stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The container includes pre-positioned support structures and reinforcement elements that are activated or engaged before the folding operation. These elements provide structural support during the transition from rigid to folded state, preventing instability. The design also includes features that preemptively secure panels in stable positions during transport, preventing accidental folding or deformation.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible container having a base with top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of support members, legs attached to the base and configured to support a second collapsible container placed on a first collapsible container and a plurality of side panels, wherein at least one of the side panels is configured to lock in place in at least one position, wherein at least one of the side panels has both a foldable portion and a fixed portion and wherein the system provides for load bearing members for securing another collapsible container or device on top of a first collapsible container in either the folded or the extended configuration. Some embodiments of the collapsible container include an anchor member configured to anchor the collapsible container to a surface. Methods of stacking and methods of manufacturing the above embodiments are also disclosed.