Collapsible Container With Interlocking Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers require significant time and material to erect due to overlapping flaps, which compromise structural integrity and lead to instability when stacked or under heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring two primary panels and two secondary panels, with a main link part movably coupled via primary-link and link-link hinges, allowing for rapid transition between flat and box configurations, reducing material usage while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If overlapping flaps are used to provide structural rigidity and serve as base panels, then structural integrity is improved, but assembly time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into four separate wall panels instead of using overlapping flaps. Each panel is an independent structural unit that can be assembled quickly through interlocking mechanisms, eliminating the time-consuming flap folding process while maintaining overall structural integrity through the coordinated arrangement of segmented panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlapping flap mechanism is completely removed from the container design. Instead of using flaps that extend beyond and overlap with panel edges, the invention extracts this element and replaces it with panels that meet edge-to-edge, eliminating the extra material and time required for flap assembly while achieving structural rigidity through precise panel fitting.
2Strength
If overlapping flaps are used to provide structural rigidity, then strength is improved, but material usage increases due to excess material requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The overlapping flap structure is completely removed from the design. Panels are configured to meet edge-to-edge without extending beyond the container's footprint, eliminating the excess material that would otherwise be required for flaps while maintaining structural rigidity through precise panel interlocking and joint design.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional requirements of both wall panels and base panels are merged into the four main wall panels themselves. These panels are structurally configured to provide both vertical wall support and horizontal base support through their arrangement and interlocking mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate base panels and reducing overall material consumption.
3Quantity of substance
If folding side walls are used to reduce material usage, then material efficiency is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs dynamic interlocking mechanisms between panels that allow for controlled movement and adjustment during assembly while providing rigid structural support when assembled. The panels can be quickly inserted and locked into place, creating a stable structure that maintains its shape and strength under load without requiring excessive material.
Solution Approach 2:
The container utilizes composite construction techniques where multiple panel layers and interlocking joint structures work together to create a unified strong structure. The combination of panel materials and joining mechanisms creates a composite system that achieves high strength-to-material-ratio, providing structural integrity comparable to or exceeding traditional designs while using less material.
4Strength
If additional side walls are used to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each of the four wall panels is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing vertical wall support, forming part of the base structure through interlocking, enabling rapid assembly through integrated joining mechanisms, and contributing to overall structural rigidity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional specialized components, maintaining structural integrity while keeping the design simple and unified.
Data Source
AI summary
A rapidly erected and collapsible container and method of using same are disclosed. The container is movable between a flat and a box configuration. The container includes two primary panels, two secondary panels, and a main link part. The two primary panels, which are movably coupled to the main link part, are configured to move away and sideways from each other, whereby the two primary panels face each other across a gap when the container is in the box configuration. The main link part provides, at least partly, a base panel for the container and may enable maintaining the container in the box configuration. Embodiments foster a container that rapidly, easily, and conveniently transitions from a flat configuration to being ready for use in a box configuration. Moreover, the container may be produced using significantly less material than conventional containers without compromising effectiveness and structural integrity.