Collapsible Container Scissor Linkage Frame Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional collapsible containers, such as luggage and shipping containers, lack versatility and ease of use due to complex and heavy mechanical couplings, limiting their ability to expand and collapse efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A portable collapsible container design featuring a collapsible frame assembly with scissor linkages and hinged panels, allowing for adjustable expansion and collapse, driven by a linear actuator, enabling easier manipulation and greater versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional mechanical couplings are used in collapsible containers, then structural strength is maintained, but device complexity and weight increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidmechanical coupling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into multiple modular frame sections that can be independently collapsed and stored. Each frame section contains its own scissor linkage mechanism, allowing the container to be segmented into manageable units that simplify the overall mechanical coupling system while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container employs dynamic scissor linkage mechanisms that allow the frame to transition between expanded and collapsed states. This dynamic structure replaces complex fixed mechanical couplings with simpler moving joints that maintain strength during operation while reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If heavy machinery is used to manipulate collapsible containers, then expansion and collapse functionality is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexpand and collapse functionalityVSAvoidease of manipulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The container incorporates self-contained scissor linkage mechanisms that automatically expand and collapse without requiring external heavy machinery. The mechanical advantage provided by the scissor linkages allows the container to manipulate itself, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining full expand and collapse functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces heavy external mechanical machinery with an integrated scissor linkage system that provides the necessary mechanical advantage internally. This substitution eliminates the need for complex external manipulation equipment while preserving the container's ability to expand and collapse effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional collapsible container designs are used, then basic expandability is provided, but versatility and functionality are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container design incorporates multiple functional elements including scissor linkages for size adjustment, hinged panels for configuration variation, and adjustable frame sections that enable the same structure to serve multiple purposes. This universal design approach increases versatility without proportionally increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The container employs dynamic hinged panels and adjustable frame sections that can be configured in multiple positions and arrangements. This dynamic capability allows the container to adapt to different storage and transport needs, significantly enhancing versatility while using relatively simple mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design provides a more versatile and user-friendly collapsible container that can expand and collapse with ease, offering greater flexibility in size adjustments without the need for heavy machinery, enhancing usability and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

scissor linkages... Adjacent open frames are adjustably coupled to one another by a respective scissor linkage. Each scissor linkage includes first and second linkage members pivotally secured to one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

A linear actuator may be provided to drive expansion and collapse of the collapsible frame assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear actuator: Linear Motor

Implementation Method 3

Each of the hinged vertically extending panels is pivotally mounted to, and extends between, a pair of adjacent open frames

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS10308423B1Portable collapsible container
Publication Date: 2019.06.04 CUI KAN
  • US10308423B1 patent drawing
  • US10308423B1 patent drawing
  • US10308423B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The portable collapsible container includes a collapsible frame assembly having a plurality of open frames and a plurality of scissor linkages. Adjacent ones of the open frames are adjustably coupled to one another by a respective one of the scissor linkages. The collapsible frame assembly further includes a plurality of hinged vertically extending panels mounted to and extending between adjacent open frames. A first cover member is secured to a first end frame and a second cover member is secured to a second end frame. A first end of an upper foldable panel is secured to an upper end of the first cover member, and a first end of a lower foldable panel is secured to a lower end of the first cover member. Pulling the second cover member away from the first cover member expands the collapsible frame assembly.