Collapsible Container With Ribbed Flexible Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible containers face challenges in maintaining structural integrity during collapse, particularly when made entirely of flexible materials, as the base tends to deform, compromising their functionality and requiring rigid components for stability.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible container design featuring a substantially rigid upper rim and a flexible container portion with integrally formed side walls and a base, utilizing living hinges and structural ribbing within the flexible material to maintain stability and allow for collapse without deformation, eliminating the need for a rigid base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a collapsible container is made entirely of flexible materials, then manufacturing cost is reduced and aesthetics are improved, but structural integrity during collapse is compromised and the base deforms
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with locally increased thickness compared to the side walls, creating a thicker, more rigid base portion that maintains structural integrity during collapse while the rest of the container remains flexible and collapsible
Solution Approach 2:
The container uses a single flexible material throughout, but varies the thickness of the base to create a composite-like structure where the thicker base provides rigidity while the thinner walls provide flexibility, eliminating the need for multiple materials
2Reliability
If a rigid base is used to maintain stability, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the rigid base component and replaces it with a flexible base that achieves rigidity through increased thickness rather than through material rigidity, simplifying the overall device by eliminating the need for separate rigid components
Solution Approach 2:
The entire container is made from a single flexible material, creating homogeneity in material composition while achieving structural integrity through geometric design (thicker base) rather than material differentiation
3Reliability
If the base is made thicker to maintain stability, then structural integrity is improved, but the collapsibility and space-saving feature are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The base is made thicker only in the regions where structural support is needed, while the side walls remain thin to maintain flexibility and collapsibility, achieving a balance between stability and space-saving capability
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
This design enables a collapsible container that maintains structural integrity during use and collapse, reduces manufacturing costs, and offers a unique aesthetic alternative to traditional collapsible containers by using a single flexible material for all components, including the base, while ensuring stability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible container further includes a base, side walls extending upward from said base and integrally formed therewith. The side walls have at least two living hinges separating said side walls into at least three sections.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible container is provided. The collapsible container includes a substantially rigid upper rim, and a container portion that is made entirely of a flexible (collapsible) material. The flexible container has a base and side walls extending upward from the base. The side walls include at least one living hinge, and the base is formed with a structural ribbing configuration. The structural ribbing integrated into the base and formed of the flexible material creates a level of rigidity in the same that allows the entire container to collapse and extend without requirement any other materials incorporated into the container portion.