Collapsible Container Hinge Security via Internal Recesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible storage and transport containers lack effective security measures to prevent unauthorized access, particularly at the interlock of sidewalls and hinges, allowing unauthorized opening without apparent damage to the container.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible container design featuring inwardly collapsible sidewalls with recesses and connecting elements, a hinged cover system, and a secure locking mechanism that prevents external manipulation, with the hinge elements and interlock accessible only from the inside, facilitating easy assembly and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container is provided with a seal and interlocking sidewalls to prevent unauthorized opening, then security is improved, but unauthorized persons can still manipulate the container at vulnerable locations (interlocks and hinges) without apparent damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vulnerable hinge mechanism from external accessibility by designing the hinge connection such that the connecting elements are received within recesses in the bottom frame, making the hinges inaccessible from the outside. This prevents unauthorized manipulation while maintaining the security function of the seal and interlocking sidewalls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the recess in the bottom frame) that mediates between the external environment and the hinge connection. This intermediary element allows the hinge to function internally while blocking external access to manipulation points, thus resolving the contradiction between security and vulnerability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the container uses traditional hinges and interlocks that are accessible from outside, then assembly and part replacement are simple, but security against manipulation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the container structure into distinct functional elements (bottom frame with recesses, sidewalls with connecting elements, covers with hinges) that can be manufactured separately and assembled together. The recesses are formed as integral parts of the bottom frame, allowing simple injection molding while achieving the security function of protecting hinges from external manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the connecting elements to be received automatically within the recesses during assembly, with the recesses oriented to guide the connecting elements into place. This self-aligning feature simplifies assembly while maintaining security, as the hinges are naturally positioned within the protected recesses without requiring additional complex mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the recesses are open inwardly and closed outwardly to protect hinges, then security is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the recesses during the molding process, creating a three-dimensional cavity with specific orientation (open inwardly, closed outwardly) directly in the bottom frame. This parameter change approach allows the protective recess structure to be integrated into the basic molding operation without requiring additional manufacturing steps or complex assembly processes.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a plastic collapsible storage and transport container comprising a bottom part (2) with four collapsible sidewalls (3, 4) arranged in an articulated manner on the bottom part (2). Two opposing first sidewalls can be detachably engaged with the two other opposing second sidewalls (4) The container (1) also comprises a cover (5) and means for sealing (56) the cover to the container in a fixed manner. The bottom part (2) formed by a bottom frame (15) and a bottom plate (16) comprises at least two inwardly open and outwardly closed recesses (19) along each frame side (17, 18), said recesses having lateral boreholes extending parallel to the frame sides (17, 18) of the bottom frame (15). Said recesses (19) are used to receive molded parts (21) formed on the first and second sidewalls (3, 4), provided with lugs (22) extending parallel to the lower edges of the sidewalls (3, 4). Said lugs (22) can be inserted into the lateral boreholes (20) of the recess (19) and rotated therein in such a way that they form a hinge-type connection between the bottom part (2) and the sidewalls (3, 4). The cover is formed by two cover halves (5) connected to opposite sidewalls (4) of the container (1) by means of cover hinges (7).