Collapsible Container Hinged Wall Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible boxes are not practical for quick and easy conversion between erect and folded positions, are costly to manufacture, and have complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible container with moulded plastic components featuring hinged end walls and longitudinal walls that can be easily rotated and locked using hook-shaped portions, pins, and slotted means for quick assembly and disassembly, allowing for efficient conversion between erect and folded states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional collapsible box designs are used, then the structure is stable when erect, but the walls cannot be moved quickly and easily between erect and folded positions
Solution Approach 1:
The wall structure incorporates a hinge assembly with a rotatable connection between the wall and base, allowing dynamic movement between erect and folded positions. The hinge includes a rotating member with engagement features that can selectively engage with the base to lock the wall in either position, enabling quick and easy position conversion without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible box is divided into modular components including a base, multiple walls, and hinge assemblies. Each wall is independently hinged to the base, allowing individual walls to be moved between positions. The hinge assembly itself is segmented into engagement features and rotating members that can independently control each wall's position.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional collapsible box designs are used, then the basic functionality is provided, but the manufacturing cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the rotating member serves as both the connection joint and the locking mechanism. The engagement features are incorporated directly into the rotating member and base structure, eliminating the need for separate latches or fasteners. This consolidation reduces the number of parts and simplifies manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The walls are constructed from flexible or semi-rigid materials that can bend and fold, eliminating the need for rigid joints and complex mechanical connections. The flexibility of the wall material allows it to conform to the folded position naturally, reducing the complexity of the hinge mechanism required to achieve collapse.
3Productivity
If traditional collapsible box designs are used, then the basic containment function is achieved, but the assembly process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assemblies are pre-attached to the base in a preliminary manufacturing step, so that during final assembly, the walls can be simply connected to the pre-prepared hinge points. The engagement features are pre-positioned on the base, allowing walls to be quickly snapped or clipped into place without requiring complex alignment or multiple assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement features are designed to automatically align and lock the walls to the base when the walls are inserted into the correct position. The rotating members of the hinge assemblies self-align with the wall connection points, eliminating the need for manual alignment or complex fastening procedures during assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
A container (10), in particular a box of the type with collapsible walls, comprises a bottom wall (12) and a plurality of side walls (14, 16, 18) mounted on the bottom wall (12) and movable between an erect, containment position and a folded, rest position. The container comprises at least one end side wall (14) which, when in the erect position, can be moved from an engaged containment position to a disengaged position in which it can be moved to the folded position.