Collapsible Modular Storage Container With Fast Watertight Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing containers are inefficient for storage due to fixed size, difficult to fit in small or awkward spaces, lack customizable components, and seals fail under rough conditions.

Innovation Solution

A modular, collapsible container system with flexible walls, removable rims and rails, and interchangeable accessories, featuring a watertight seal and bi-stable support mechanism for easy storage and versatile use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid panels are used to maintain container shape, then structural strength is improved, but storage efficiency deteriorates because the container cannot collapse to save space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidstorage efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into rigid panels connected by flexible joints, allowing the structure to maintain strength when needed while enabling collapse for storage. The rigid panels are segmented and connected through flexible elements that permit relative movement between panels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure that can change its configuration. The flexible joints and connections allow the container to dynamically adjust between an expanded usable state and a collapsed storage state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed-size rigid containers are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as they cannot fit small or awkward spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidspace adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The container employs dynamic flexible connections between rigid panels, allowing it to adapt its shape and size to fit various spaces while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized panel and joint components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Flexible joints and connections are used between rigid panels to enable the container to conform to different spatial requirements. The flexible elements act as adaptive interfaces that allow shape change without complicating the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If integral handles and components are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as they cannot be selectively customized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent integrationVSAvoidcustomization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The container components including handles, lids, and accessories are segmented into separate interchangeable modules rather than being integrally formed. This allows users to selectively attach and customize components based on specific needs while keeping the base container structure simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Standardized interfaces and mounting points are provided on the container body to accommodate various interchangeable components. This universal interface system allows the same base container to be customized with different handles, lids, and accessories for different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If traditional seals like zippers are used, then ease of operation is improved for opening/closing, but reliability deteriorates as they break early under rough use and are not watertight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal operationVSAvoidseal durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible watertight membrane or film is used as the sealing mechanism instead of traditional zippers. This flexible barrier provides both the ease of operation needed for opening and closing while delivering the reliability and watertight protection required for rough outdoor use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing system combines rigid structural elements with flexible watertight materials to create a composite sealing mechanism that maintains both operational ease and structural reliability. The composite construction allows the seal to flex during operation while maintaining its integrity and watertight properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

5Reliability

If roll top sealing systems are used to achieve watertight seal, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as they are cumbersome and slow to employ

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewatertight sealVSAvoidsealing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible watertight membrane is employed that can be quickly deployed and secured without the cumbersome rolling action of traditional roll top systems. The flexible film provides reliable watertight sealing while allowing for faster, easier operation through simpler opening and closing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS20260028152A1Portable collapsible modular and waterproof storage and transportation system

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 RUX BOX CORP

AI summary

A portable, collapsible modular container system for transportation and storage is provided. The containers are modular and can be staked in either extended or expanded position, collapsed, or a mix thereof. The container system is modular and customizable, and attachments such as wheel, handles, carry straps, tie down straps, and other accessories, may be added or removed at the option of the user.