Collapsible Container Hinged Sidewalls Space Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers used in order fulfillment centers and warehouses are inefficient in terms of space utilization during transportation and storage, as they do not collapse effectively, leading to wasted space when stacked or shipped.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible container design featuring hinged sidewalls and end walls with semi-circular nodes and stiffening ribs, allowing the container to pivot and fold into a compact configuration, with offset ribs enhancing the collapsing process and stabilizing features for stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If containers are designed to be rigid and stable for holding products, then structural integrity is improved, but space utilization during transportation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple hinged sections (side walls, end walls, bottom wall) that can move relative to each other. The hinged connections allow the container to segment into a compact configuration during transportation while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The container transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure. The hinged connections enable the container to change its configuration between an expanded usable state and a collapsed transportation state, optimizing both structural integrity and space utilization.
2Volume of moving object
If containers are made collapsible to reduce storage space, then space utilization is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the container into hinged sections, the design allows controlled collapse while maintaining stability in the assembled state. Each segment is connected through hinges that provide rotational freedom for collapse but maintain rigid connections when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The container's volume parameter is changed dynamically through the hinged mechanism. When collapsed, the volume is minimized for efficient storage and transportation. When assembled, the volume expands to provide stable product holding capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hinged connections are added to enable collapsing, then collapsibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connections are merged with the container walls themselves, integrating the hinge mechanism into the structural components. This combining of functions reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining collapsibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged connections serve multiple functions: they enable the collapsing mechanism, provide structural support when assembled, and allow for stable stacking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
4Volume of moving object
If containers are designed for compact folding, then space utilization is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into standardized hinged sections that can be manufactured using consistent processes. This segmentation allows for modular production and assembly, improving ease of manufacture despite the collapsible design.
Solution Approach 2:
The design parameters of the container walls and hinges are optimized to balance manufacturability with collapsibility. The hinge geometry and wall thickness are configured to enable easy folding while maintaining structural requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The collapsible container minimizes wasted space during shipping and storage by folding into a compact form, enabling efficient stacking and re-use, while maintaining structural integrity for holding products.
Implementation Method 1
Hinge nodes 30L extend from a distal end of leg 24. Hinge nodes 50L extend from the leg-side of end wall 40. Sidewall-hinge nodes 30L and end wall-hinge nodes 50L alternate and extend the entire height of legs 24 and end wall 40 to form leg-hinge 80L.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible container includes rigid sidewalls and end walls that are hinged together and a rigid bottom wall that is hinged to one of the sidewalls. A short leg on an end of each of the sidewalls gives the sidewall a L-shape (when viewed from above). Hinges formed on distal ends of the legs enable the bottom wall to fold against an inboard surface of one of the sidewalls, and enable one of the end walls to lie flat to conserve volume for shipping multiple containers in the collapsed configuration.