Collapsible Container With Hinge Device For Parallel Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible containers with fixed side walls require significant storage space and incur manufacturing and operational inefficiencies due to the need for sequential folding and potential angular deformation when stacked, leading to instability and damage.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible container design featuring movable portions on the side walls that fit into opening pockets on the base, with a hinge device allowing rotation around hinge pins and an interlocking mechanism to prevent vertical movement, enabling parallel folding without tools and maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If side walls are connected to the base at different heights to enable parallel folding, then the side walls can be arranged parallel to the base when folded, but the height of opposite side walls becomes different, increasing manufacturing and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing only one connecting structure between the side wall and base, rather than symmetric connections at different heights. The side wall includes a connecting portion with a first connecting structure that engages with a corresponding structure on the base, allowing the side wall to be connected at a single height while still achieving parallel folding through the geometric relationship of the connecting portion's orientation and position.
2Stability of the object's composition
If side walls are connected at different heights to enable parallel folding, then side walls can be arranged parallel to the base, but workers must pay more attention during operation affecting efficiency since folding must be executed sequentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service folding by designing the connecting portion with a specific geometric configuration that automatically guides the side wall into the correct folded position. The connecting structure on the base and the corresponding structure on the side wall work together to ensure proper alignment and parallel arrangement without requiring worker attention or sequential operation instructions.
3Volume of moving object
If side walls are folded towards each other with one side wall extending beyond the edge, then the container can be collapsed, but the side wall is not parallel to the base and is in an inclined position, causing damage or deformation when stacked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the side wall with a movable connecting portion that can transition between erected and folded positions. The connecting portion includes a rotating connection that allows the side wall to dynamically adjust its position, ensuring that when folded, it maintains parallel arrangement with the base rather than being inclined, thus preventing deformation during stacking.
4Ease of operation
If a hinge device with movable portions and opening pockets is used, then side walls can be rotated around hinge pins enabling folding, but the side wall may move in vertical direction relative to the base when erected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connecting structure into distinct functional elements: a connecting portion on the side wall, a connecting structure on the base, and an interlocking feature. This segmentation allows the hinge connection to provide rotation for folding while the interlocking feature between the connecting portion and connecting structure prevents vertical movement when the side wall is in the erected position, thus maintaining stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention discloses a collapsible container, comprising a base and two pairs of opposite side walls. The side walls are provided with one or more movable portions extending from the bottom of the side walls. The base is provided with one or more opening pockets, wherein the side walls are disposed in the corresponding opening pockets on the base via the movable portions. A hinge device is provided between the movable portions and the opening pockets. The hinge device comprises: hinge holes provided in the movable portions of the side walls; a guiding device provided in the opening pockets of the base; and a connecter provided with hinge pins and a sliding device to be engaged with the guiding device. The sliding device of the connecter is movable up and down in vertical direction along the guiding device in the opening pockets. The hinge pins are disposed in the hinge holes and are rotable around the hinge pins. When folded, the side walls of the collapsible container according to this invention will not inclined relative to the base. In addition, the collapsible container of the invention can be detached or folded in any consequences without tool.