Collapsible Container With Sliding Pivot Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible crates with retractable supports often fail to extend sufficiently into the container, making it difficult to reliably stack another container without slipping, while still needing to be fully retractable.
Innovation Solution
The collapsible container design features pivotably and slidably mounted end wall supports that can extend further into the container when needed, with a movable pivot axis and an optional arm from the side wall to urge the support into position, allowing reliable stacking without interfering with contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support extends further into the container, then the stacking reliability is improved, but the support cannot be fully retracted
Solution Approach 1:
The support member transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic movable position, allowing it to extend further into the container when needed while being able to retract fully. The support is mounted on a pivot axis that allows it to move between extended and retracted positions, resolving the contradiction between needing extended length for stability and needing retraction for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is designed to nest within the end wall when retracted, with the pivot axis positioned within the end wall structure. This allows the support to be fully contained within the container walls when not in use, while still being able to extend outward when needed for stacking operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support extends further into the container, then the stacking stability is improved, but the support interferes with goods in the container
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support provides adaptability by being able to adjust its position - extending when stacking is needed for stability, and retracting when goods need to be loaded or accessed. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between needing extended support for stacking stability and needing retraction to avoid interfering with container contents.
3Length of moving object
If the pivot axis is fixed, then the support structure is simpler, but the support cannot extend far enough into the container
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot axis is made movable along the end wall rather than being fixed, which allows the support to achieve greater extension length. While this adds some complexity to the mounting mechanism, it enables the support to reach further into the container interior without requiring a completely redesign of the support structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible container is provided which includes a base, a pair of opposed side walls, and a pair of opposed end walls which are transverse to the side walls. The side and end walls are pivotably connected to the base between an upright position generally perpendicular to the base and a collapsed position on the base. A support is pivotably and slidably mounted to each of the end walls. The support is configured to extend into the container and to fully retract within the end wall. The support extends far enough into the container to reliably support another container thereon.