Collapsible Storage Container Side Panel Folding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage boxes are not efficiently designed for collapsible storage solutions, particularly in terms of ease of transportation and storage when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible storage container with side panels that can move between a deployed and a collapsed position, utilizing side joints and corner joints to facilitate folding, and a press fit interface to retain panels in a linear position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If storage boxes are made from heavy paper materials like card stock and corrugated cardboard, then strength and durability are improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage box is divided into multiple panels (front panel, rear panel, side panels) that can be separately manufactured and then assembled together. This segmentation allows each panel to be optimized independently and enables the box to be collapsed by folding the panels relative to each other, reducing weight during transport while maintaining strength when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage box transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure. The panels are connected through joints that allow movement between deployed and collapsed states. When collapsed, the side panels fold inward against the front and rear panels, enabling compact storage and easy transport while maintaining structural integrity when deployed.
2Ease of manufacture
If storage boxes are designed as rigid fixed-structure boxes, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ease of transportation and storage when not in use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The box is segmented into multiple panels that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation enables the box to be collapsed by folding the panels, making it easy to transport and store while keeping the manufacturing process simple through standardized panel fabrication and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The box incorporates dynamic folding capabilities through joints connecting the panels. The side panels can fold inward relative to the front and rear panels, transforming the box from an extended usable state to a collapsed transport state. This dynamic structure maintains ease of manufacture through standardized components while dramatically improving ease of transportation.
3Ease of operation
If storage boxes are designed to be collapsible with movable panels, then ease of transportation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible structure is achieved through segmentation into standardized panels with simple joining mechanisms. Each panel is a discrete component that can be manufactured independently, and the assembly process is straightforward. This segmentation reduces the complexity of the overall system by breaking down the collapsible mechanism into simple, manageable parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic collapsing mechanism uses simple hinge-like joints between panels rather than complex locking systems. The side panels fold inward along simple axes defined by the joints, creating a compact structure without requiring complex mechanisms. This dynamic design improves ease of transportation while keeping device complexity low through straightforward folding motion.
4Strength
If storage boxes are made from heavy materials, then structural strength is improved, but productivity in terms of shipping efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The box is segmented into multiple panels that can be collapsed into a compact configuration for shipping. This segmentation allows the box to maintain structural strength when assembled while reducing its shipping volume dramatically. The panels can be folded relative to each other, creating a compact package that is easy and cost-effective to transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The box incorporates dynamic folding capability that allows it to transition from an extended usable state to a collapsed shipping state. The joints enable the side panels to fold inward, reducing the box's volume for efficient shipping while maintaining structural integrity when deployed. This dynamic state change directly improves shipping efficiency without sacrificing structural strength.
Data Source
AI summary
Collapsible storage containers and related methods are disclosed. An example collapsible storage container movable between a deployed position and a collapsed position disclosed herein includes a front panel, a back panel, a side panel including a first side panel portion coupled to the front panel, the first side panel portion including a first face and a second side panel portion coupled to the back panel, the second side panel portion including a second face, the first face coplanar with the second face in the deployed position, the first face parallel to and abutting the second face in the collapsed position.