Collapsible Crate Translating Hinge for Smooth Flat Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible containers face issues with non-smooth motion of vertically translatable hinges and require a specific sequence for collapsing long walls, leading to inefficiencies in compactness and usability.
Innovation Solution
A vertically translatable hinge system with multiple cam surfaces and followers ensures smooth motion and allows either long wall to be collapsed onto the base first, using a hinge pin that translates vertically through different cam surfaces during angular intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If vertically translatable hinges are used to allow either long wall to be collapsed directly onto the base, then compact volume is achieved, but the hinges do not always pivot and slide smoothly
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surface is divided into multiple distinct cam surfaces, each engaged by a corresponding cam follower at different stages of the wall's angular interval. This segmentation allows the hinge to guide the wall through multiple phases of motion (initial pivot, vertical translation, final positioning) separately, ensuring smooth transitions at each stage and preventing binding while achieving compact collapse.
2Shape
If one long wall is pivotably connected to the base about an axis higher than the other, then flat collapsed long walls are achieved, but a particular sequence of collapsing the two long walls is required
Solution Approach 1:
Both long walls are equipped with identical hinge assemblies that include the same multi-stage cam surface mechanism. This universality allows either wall to be collapsed first without requiring a specific sequence, as each wall can independently engage its cam surfaces in the same standardized manner. The system maintains flat collapsed geometry while eliminating the operational constraint of a predetermined collapse sequence.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the second long wall is collapsed onto the first long wall, then the short walls can be positioned, but the second long wall will not be parallel to the base, increasing the height of the collapsed container
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly incorporates a dynamic cam mechanism that automatically adjusts the vertical position of the hinge pin during the wall's angular interval. As the wall pivots from its initial position, the cam surfaces guide the hinge pin through a programmed vertical trajectory, enabling the wall to rotate freely while maintaining parallelism with the base. This dynamic adjustment ensures the wall ends up parallel to the base at the collapsed position, minimizing the overall container height while maintaining stable wall positioning.
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
Enables smooth and reliable retracting motion of collapsible container walls, reducing the overall height when collapsed, and allowing flexible sequence for wall collapse, enhancing usability and storage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The base includes a first cam surface, a second cam surface, and a third cam surface. The first wall is pivotably connected to the base by a hinge and is pivotable through first, second and third angular intervals between a collapsed position on the base and an upright position. The hinge permits vertical translation of the first wall relative to the base. The first wall including a first follower, a second follower, and a third follower, wherein the first follower is configured to contact the first cam surface during the first angular interval, the second follower is configured to contact the second cam surface during the second angular interval, and the third follower is configured to contact the third cam surface during the third angular interval.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible container includes a base including a first cam surface, a second cam surface, and a third cam surface. A hinge permits vertical translation of a wall relative to the base. The wall includes a first follower, a second follower, and a third follower, wherein the first follower is configured to contact the first cam surface during a first angular interval, wherein the second follower is configured to contact the second cam surface during a second angular interval, and wherein the third follower is configured to contact the third cam surface during a third angular interval. A retractable wall may include a pair of vertical portions defining an opening therebetween. An upper portion and a lower portion may be pivotably connected to the pair of vertical portions. A link having an arm may be pivotably connected to the upper portion and pivotably connected to the lower portion.