Collapsible Container Side Wall Fixing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible containers face challenges in providing a solid and stable connection between side walls during assembly and collapsing, often requiring complex attachment structures or heavy components that complicate handling and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
The container features a flexible, deformable configuration with a trigger part and a second part that articulate together, allowing for a stable fixation between side walls using a slot and flange mechanism, enabling easy assembly and collapsing by exerting pressure on the second part to release the flange from the slot, facilitating single-person operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a collapsible prismatic laminar part is used to maintain side walls in unfolded position, then the container structure is stabilized, but the assembly and collapsing process becomes more complex and requires additional manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex collapsible prismatic laminar part from the container structure, retaining only the essential base and hinged side walls. This extraction eliminates the need for additional manipulation during assembly and collapsing while maintaining the basic structural stability through the hinge mechanism alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls are divided into multiple hinged segments that can independently fold and collapse. This segmentation allows each wall to be controlled separately, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
2Strength
If the collapsible prismatic laminar part is made more resistant and heavier to form the side walls, then the structural strength is improved, but the handling difficulty increases significantly during assembly and collapsing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using lighter, more flexible materials for the side walls that maintain sufficient strength through their hinged structural design rather than relying on heavy material composition. This allows easy handling while preserving structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls are designed with hinged joints that allow dynamic movement between assembled and collapsed states. This dynamic design enables single-person operation during assembly and collapsing, eliminating the need to lift and maneuver heavy rigid structures.
3Reliability
If attachment formations are provided on side walls to fit together during assembly, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the attachment function into the hinge mechanism itself. The hinges serve dual purposes: providing the folding capability and simultaneously creating the attachment connection between side walls and the base. This eliminates separate attachment formations while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it enables folding motion, provides structural connection, and creates stable attachment between components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized attachment mechanisms.
4Reliability
If hinges are used to attach adjoining side walls during collapsing, then the connection stability is improved, but the attachment structure becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into simple hinge joints at each corner rather than a complex continuous attachment structure. Each hinge is an independent, simple component that is easy to manufacture and assemble, while collectively providing reliable attachment across all side walls.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a container with collapsible side walls, comprising a base (2), on which said side walls (3) are individually collapsed by means of a hinge, and including fixing means between adjoining side walls in the assembled position. The fixing means comprise a trigger part (5), fixed on a side wall, and further comprise a first part (6) and a second part (7), fixed on an adjoining side wall, the second part able to be articulated on the first. The second part comprises a slot (8) for inserting the trigger part during assembly and for removing the trigger part during collapsing, by means of the articulation of the second part on the first. The first and second parts are coupled in an articulated manner and independently fixed on an adjoining side wall, comprising a flexible deformable configuration to enable the second part to be articulated on the first part when exerting pressure on said second part.