Collapsible Container Modular Strip Folding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible containers are not compact enough in their collapsed state, making them difficult to handle and store efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible container design using aligned strips that form the base and end walls, with additional strips forming the side walls, allowing the container to be collapsed into a compact rectangular or square shape by folding and rolling, utilizing connectors, through-connections, and closure elements for assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the container is collapsed by laying end walls and side walls on top of each other, then the internal volume is reduced, but the width and length occupy an enormous amount of space making handling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into modular wall sections (end walls and side walls) that can be independently folded and collapsed. This segmentation allows each wall to be compacted separately, reducing the overall collapsed dimensions while maintaining ease of handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The container employs a three-dimensional collapse mechanism where walls fold in multiple directions (lengthwise and widthwise) rather than simply laying flat. This multi-dimensional folding reduces the collapsed footprint in all dimensions, making the container compact and easy to handle while maximizing volume reduction.
2Volume of moving object
If the container is made collapsible to prevent dead internal volume from wasting storage capacity, then storage efficiency is improved, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates dynamic joint mechanisms that provide both flexibility for collapse and rigidity when assembled. The joints are designed to be movable during collapse but lock into stable positions when the container is formed, providing structural stability while enabling volume reduction for storage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is segmented into modular sections connected by stable joints. This segmentation allows the container to be collapsed into compact units for storage while maintaining structural integrity when assembled, as each module contributes to the overall stability through its rigid connections.
3Volume of moving object
If the container is reduced to optimally small size in collapsed state, then storage space is optimized, but the complexity of assembly and disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into standardized modular sections with identical connection mechanisms. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly and disassembly procedures, as each module can be independently handled and connected using the same method, reducing the overall complexity despite the compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements (walls, connectors, folding mechanisms) are merged into integrated components that perform multiple functions simultaneously. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the assembly process while achieving optimal collapsed size through the unified design.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a container (1) which comprises a first plurality of strips (11-1 to 11-15) which, in the unfolded state, form the base surface and at least one end wall of the container, and a second plurality of strips (12-1 to 12-9, 12-10 to 12-18) which, in the unfolded state, form at least one side wall of the container, the container in the unfolded state having a height, a length and a width, and wherein the container in the collapsed state can be substantially reduced to the width. Therefore optimal compact dimensioning of the container in the collapsed state is achieved.