Collapsible Container Hinged Side Rotation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage containers lack an efficient method to transition from a fully double stacked assembled position to a fully collapsed position, which is necessary for compact storage and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible container design featuring hingedly connected sides and doors that can be rotated and secured in a specific order to transform from a fully assembled position to a flat, parallel orientation, allowing for easy collapse and reassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If containers are designed to be collapsible from double stacked to single stacked position, then storage efficiency and transportation compactness are improved, but structural complexity increases due to hinge connections and securing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple collapsible sides (first side and second side) that can be independently folded. Each side is segmented into upper and lower portions connected by hinge means, allowing sequential collapse from double stacked to single stacked configuration, reducing volume while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The container design allows the second container to be collapsed into the first container. The collapsible sides are positioned to nest within the container body when folded, creating a compact nested configuration that maximizes space efficiency while the hinge mechanisms provide the necessary structural complexity
2Ease of operation
If hinge means are used to connect container sides, then ease of collapse and reassembly is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential failure points at hinge connections
Solution Approach 1:
Fastening means are pre-positioned at specific locations on the container sides. When the hinge means are rotated to collapse the container, the fastening means automatically engage with corresponding receptacles to secure the collapsed position, ensuring reliable locking without requiring additional manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening means act as intermediary elements between the hinge connections and the container body. These fastening mechanisms transfer and distribute the structural loads across multiple connection points, reinforcing the hinge connections and improving overall structural reliability while maintaining ease of operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If container sides are made collapsible, then adaptability for different storage configurations is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper alignment during collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge means and fastening means are designed as universal components that can accommodate multiple collapse configurations. The hinge connections are positioned at standardized locations that allow consistent alignment regardless of which sides are collapsed first or in what sequence, providing versatility while reducing precision requirements through standardized interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The container design incorporates self-aligning features where the hinge means and fastening means are geometrically configured to automatically guide proper alignment during collapse. The shape and positioning of the hinge and fastening components ensure that when collapsed, the sides naturally align with the container body and each other, reducing the need for high manufacturing precision
Data Source
AI summary
A hollow container or box formed from a roof, a first side (i.e., or first upper and lower sides), a second side (i.e., for second upper and lower sides), a rear side (i.e., or rear upper and lower sides), a door (i.e., or upper and lower door), and a base placing the container or box in a fully assembled position. Unique side and end access doors are provided. Each of the sides are releasably coupled or hingedly connected to one another and the adjacent sides are hingedly coupled to the base. Upon releasing the sides from one another and rotating each relative to one another in a particular order along various axis rotation, the container or box is transitioned from a fully assembled position into a flat, parallel orientation, fully collapsed position.