Collapsible Container Set with Interlocking Elastic Seal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container sets for portable use face issues with poor sealing, leakage, and bulkiness due to non-collapsible designs, leading to inconvenient storage and transportation of used containers.
Innovation Solution
A container set with a locking structure featuring an interlocking mechanism between the container edge, cover sealing member, and base groove, utilizing elastic materials like silicone rubber for secure sealing and stabilization, along with collapsible container designs to optimize space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If containers are made non-collapsible for structural integrity, then container strength is improved, but the container set becomes bulky and difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The container middle portion transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure. The middle portion can be collapsed along folding segments to reduce volume for storage, yet maintains structural integrity when expanded for use, resolving the contradiction between strength and compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The middle portion is constructed with flexible materials that allow collapsing and expanding movements. This flexible structure enables the container to be compacted for storage while maintaining sufficient strength during use, addressing both the strength requirement and the volume reduction need.
2Volume of moving object
If containers are made collapsible for compact storage, then space utilization is improved, but container strength and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into three distinct portions: a strong bottom portion, a flexible middle portion with folding segments, and a rigid top portion. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function - the rigid portions provide strength while the segmented middle portion enables collapsing for compact storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The container employs composite construction with different materials for different portions. The bottom and top portions use rigid materials for strength, while the middle portion uses flexible, collapsible materials. This composite approach maintains overall container strength while enabling volume reduction through collapsing.
3Reliability
If a locking structure is added to prevent leakage and stabilize containers, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure merges multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism. The cover sealing member simultaneously provides sealing, locking, and stabilizing functions by engaging with the container edge and base groove, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic sealing member provides self-locking functionality through its elastic properties. When compressed between the container edge and base groove, it automatically secures the container in place without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex assembly steps, achieving reliable sealing with minimal structural complexity.
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 interlocking structure effectively prevents liquid leakage, stabilizes containers during transport, and allows for efficient storage by creating a secure and compact container set that can be easily expanded for use.
Implementation Method 1
both the container edge and the base groove abut against the cover sealing member so that a seal is formed by the interlocking structure resulting from elastic deformation of the cover sealing member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A container set (1) includes a cover (11), a base (12), the cover having a cover sealing member (111) which is made of elastic material and protrudes from a cover peripheral edge (113) of the cover to allow the cover(11) to engage the base (12), and a first container (13) received between the cover and the base and having a container edge to allow the first container to engage an inner surface of the cover. In addition, the inner surface of the base has a base groove to allow the cover sealing member to engage the base groove when the cover engages the base, wherein the container edge, the cover sealing member and the base groove constitute an interlocking structure. With this interlocking structure, the cover, the base and the container(s) located therebetween can form a tightly engaged container set.