Collapsible Container With Pivot Fasteners for Space Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Containers occupy excessive space when not in use due to their fixed dimensions, which is a common issue across various sizes and types.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible container constructed from semi-rigid to rigid wall panels held together by fasteners that allow multiple folding configurations, enabling the container to collapse vertically and horizontally, reducing its cubic size when not in use. The container features specific fasteners that pivotally attach side walls to each other and the floor to the front and rear walls, allowing it to fold into a compact storage position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the container is made with fixed dimensions to maintain rigidity and functionality, then structural strength is improved, but storage space efficiency deteriorates due to excessive space occupation when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The container transitions from a static fixed-structure to a dynamic collapsible-structure. The wall panels are designed to pivot and fold relative to each other, allowing the container to transform between an expanded usable state and a collapsed storage state. This dynamic capability enables the container to maintain structural strength when needed while minimizing storage volume when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is divided into multiple discrete wall panels that can move independently relative to each other. These segmented panels are connected through pivot points and fasteners, allowing each panel to fold and collapse separately. This segmentation enables the overall structure to compress into a compact form while maintaining the integrity of individual panel components.
2Strength
If the container walls and floor are made rigid to support items, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but collapsibility deteriorates due to resistance to folding
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid wall panels incorporate dynamic pivot connections that allow the panels to rotate and fold. The rigidity of the panels themselves is maintained for load-bearing purposes, while the dynamic joints between panels enable collapsibility. This creates a system that is both structurally sound and adaptable to collapsed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Fasteners and pivot connections serve as intermediary elements between the rigid wall panels. These intermediaries allow the rigid panels to move relative to each other during collapse while maintaining secure attachment. The fasteners enable the rigid structure to transition into a compact form without compromising the strength of the panel components themselves.
Data Source
AI summary
The collapsible container is constructed from semi-rigid to rigid wall panels, such as eight panels, that are held together by fasteners that allow the wall panels to be folded in multiple manners while remaining attached. When in use, the eight panels form side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom floor of a basket or container that are attached and rigid. The rigid walls and floor of the container secures, holds, and supports items within the container. When fully opened and ready for use, the bottom panels of the floor are connected to the side wall panels by at least one rigid hook shaped fastener, including two fasteners. When fully collapsed, the eight rigid panels fold so that all eight panels are stacked immediately upon one another.