Collapsible Container Zipper-Like Pin Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible transport and storage containers face issues with skewing and tilting of side walls during the transition from the collapsed to the erected state, leading to handling problems and potential damage, especially since they are predominantly made of plastic.
Innovation Solution
A clamp connection with a zipper-like closure is introduced, featuring pins with increasing cross-sections that engage with circular openings, providing a secure and aligned connection between side walls, preventing tilting and ensuring a stable transition between states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a snap-in connection with groove-like recesses and spring strips is used to fix adjacent side walls, then the latching connection is stable and reliable, but skewing and canting of side walls occur during transition from collapsed to erected state
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple pins distributed along the side walls, with each pin providing incremental alignment and stabilization. The pins are arranged in rows and columns to distribute the alignment function across multiple discrete elements rather than relying on a single connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The pins with increasing cross-sections perform preliminary alignment action during the transition process. The smaller cross-section pins engage first to provide initial alignment, followed by progressively larger pins that refine and secure the alignment as the container transitions from collapsed to erected state.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the container is made entirely of plastic for hygienic reasons, then hygiene requirements are met, but plastic deformations occur from tilting and crooked positions during transition
Solution Approach 1:
The pins with gradually increasing cross-sections provide beforehand cushioning against misalignment forces. By engaging in sequence from smallest to largest cross-section, they progressively absorb and distribute the stresses that would otherwise cause plastic deformation, cushioning the transition process before harmful deformations can occur.
3Reliability
If additional bar connection is used between adjacent side walls, then secure coupling is achieved, but handling problems arise due to skewing and canting during transition
Solution Approach 1:
The pin cross-sectional dimensions are changed as a parameter along the length of the side walls. This gradual parameter change from smaller to larger cross-sections allows the connection to adapt to the changing geometric relationships during transition, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring secure coupling in the final erected state.
4Reliability
If locking connection is implemented solely to ensure secure coupling of adjacent side walls, then coupling security is improved, but quick change between folded and erected state is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single full-strength locking mechanism, the solution employs multiple pins with partial locking action. Each pin provides a degree of coupling security, and collectively they achieve the required reliability while allowing faster transition. The incremental engagement of pins enables quick state change without sacrificing coupling security.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The container has a longitudinal side wall (2) and a perpendicular side wall (3) flexibly attached to a base (1). The side walls are aligned parallel to the base in a collapsed condition and aligned perpendicular to the base in an assembled condition. The base is arranged between adjacent side walls using locking connectors. The locking connectors are formed as clamping connectors with pins (4), which are engaged into openings (5) similar to a slide fastener. The pins are arranged in the perpendicular side wall and the openings are arranged in the longitudinal side wall.