Collapsible Crate Movable Wall Access and Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible crates for transporting heavy goods lack efficient mechanisms for accessing contents and efficient space utilization during transport and storage.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible crate design featuring a movable and removable wall portion with locating and locking mechanisms, allowing for secure alignment and easy access, and an extension portion for safe stacking, utilizing high tensile steel for rigidity and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a movable wall portion is added to enable access to contents, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crate wall is divided into a fixed portion and a movable portion that can be independently operated. The movable wall portion includes a panel that can be pivoted open while the rest of the crate structure remains intact, allowing selective access to contents without compromising the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall portion transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic movable structure. The panel is designed to pivot between closed and open positions using hinges, and can be locked in the open position using locking means, providing operational flexibility while maintaining structural integrity when closed.
2Reliability
If locating means with projection and recess is used to align movable wall portion, then reliability of securing is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The projection and recess locating means are designed to automatically align the movable wall portion with the fixed portion during assembly. The geometric配合 of the projection fitting into the recess creates self-aligning features that guide proper positioning without requiring complex external alignment tools or procedures.
3Strength
If high tensile steel is used for rigidity and strength, then strength is improved, but weight of the crate increases
Solution Approach 1:
High tensile steel is applied selectively to critical structural components where strength is most needed, such as the corner posts, base frame, and hinge mechanisms, while other non-critical portions may use lighter materials or thinner gauge steel, optimizing the strength-to-weight ratio of the overall crate.
Solution Approach 2:
The crate employs composite construction combining high tensile steel elements with other materials such as plastic or aluminum components in appropriate locations, creating a hybrid structure that leverages the high strength of steel where necessary while reducing overall weight through lighter materials in less critical areas.
4Volume of moving object
If collapsible design is implemented for space utilization, then volume efficiency is improved, but reliability of structural integrity during use decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The crate employs dynamic hinge connections at the corner posts that allow the walls to pivot and collapse flat for compact storage, but provide rigid structural support when the crate is in its erected shipping configuration. The hinges are designed with locking features that maintain structural integrity during transport while enabling collapse when empty.
Solution Approach 2:
The crate structure is divided into modular sections connected by hinges, allowing each wall panel to be independently folded during collapse while maintaining the integrity of individual structural elements. This segmentation enables compact storage without compromising the strength of the assembled crate.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible crate for transporting goods, the crate having an upstanding wall, at least a portion of which is movable, locating feature and releasable locking feature for releasably securing the movable wall portion relative to the crate, wherein the locating feature has a projection receivable within a recess or aperture to align, in use, the movable wall portion relative to the crate such that the movable wall portion is releasably securable by the locking feature.