Collapsible Container Wall Structure for Strength and Stable Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible kitchen and household containers lack structural strength in collapsible regions, leading to deformation under lateral forces, which can cause contents to be damaged or spilled.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible container design featuring a combination of rigid and flexible tiers, where the collapsible wall section includes at least three stacked tiers with a middle rigid tier of different material, and flexible tiers connected by living hinges for snap-through movement, providing stability in both expanded and collapsed states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wall section is made flexible to enable collapsing, then collapsibility is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container wall is divided into multiple discrete collapsible wall sections that can independently fold and collapse. Each section is segmented into upper and lower portions connected by fold lines, allowing the wall to collapse into a compact configuration while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed segmentation across multiple sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible wall sections are designed with dynamic folding capability through strategically placed fold lines that enable smooth transitions between expanded and collapsed states. The fold lines create articulated joints that allow the wall sections to dynamically adjust their configuration while maintaining structural coherence throughout the transformation.
2Ease of operation
If the wall material is made flexible for folding, then ease of operation is improved, but resistance to deformation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wall is divided into multiple rigid panels connected by fold lines, creating a segmented structure that combines the rigidity of individual panels with the flexibility of the articulated connections. This segmentation allows the wall to fold easily while each panel maintains its shape and resists deformation under lateral forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The container employs a composite structure combining rigid wall panel materials with flexible hinge mechanisms. The rigid panels provide resistance to deformation and structural strength, while the fold lines and hinge regions provide the necessary flexibility for easy collapsing and expanding operations.
3Volume of moving object
If the container is designed to collapse compactly, then storage efficiency is improved, but self-supporting capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container wall is divided into multiple rigid panels connected by fold lines, creating a segmented structure that combines the rigidity of individual panels with the flexibility of the articulated connections. This segmentation allows the wall to fold easily while each panel maintains its shape and resists deformation under lateral forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible wall sections are designed with dynamic folding capability through strategically placed fold lines that enable smooth transitions between expanded and collapsed states. The fold lines create articulated joints that allow the wall sections to dynamically adjust their configuration while maintaining structural coherence throughout the transformation.
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 enhances the structural integrity and self-supporting capabilities of collapsible containers, preventing deformation and ensuring stability in various states, thus protecting contents and facilitating easy storage and use.
Implementation Method 1
each flexible tier is provided with two living hinges comprising very narrow annular bands of flexible material, at which the material suddenly tapers down to a sharply reduced thickness
Data Source
AI summary
Collapsible household containers having a foldable wall section with shape-retaining characteristics are disclosed. In particular, collapsible laundry baskets, buckets, colanders, dish drainers, cups, and bottles are provided. The folding region may include foldable tiers of a flexible material, each tier having at least one stable, relatively expanded position and at least one stable, relatively collapsed position; and an intervening, non-folding tier composed of a different, relatively rigid material.