Collapsible Freezer Bin with Adjustable Dividers and Leak Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible bins for carrying groceries, laundry, and trunk organizers are not rigid, have fixed compartment sizes, are not suitable for freezer applications, and lack waterproof materials, leading to issues with freezing temperatures and fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible bin system with foldable sides, a base support insert, and detachable wall divider panels made of waterproof or water-resistant materials, featuring structural components for rigidity and compartments that can be customized for freezer use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the bin is made collapsible with foldable sides, then the bin can be compacted for storage, but the bin loses structural rigidity and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The bin is divided into collapsible side walls and a rigid base support insert. The base support insert remains separate and rigid while the side walls can fold inward, allowing the bin to maintain structural integrity at the base while enabling collapse of the upper portions for compact storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The bin transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure where the side walls can fold inward and outward. The base support insert provides stable support in the expanded state, while the collapsible walls allow the bin to adapt between expanded and collapsed configurations.
2Device complexity
If the bin has fixed compartment sizes, then the bin structure is simple, but the bin cannot be tailored for specific items
Solution Approach 1:
The bin interior is divided into compartments using detachable wall divider panels that can be independently positioned and removed. These panels segment the bin into multiple adjustable compartments, allowing customization for different items while maintaining a relatively simple overall bin structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall divider panels are designed to be detachable and repositionable, transforming the bin from a structure with fixed compartments to one with dynamically adjustable compartments. Users can configure the dividers to create different compartment sizes and arrangements based on storage needs.
3Ease of manufacture
If the bin is made from non-waterproof material, then the bin is more flexible and easier to manufacture, but fluid food items can leak through the bin
Solution Approach 1:
The bin combines flexible fabric or plastic material with waterproof lining or coating. This composite construction maintains the flexibility and ease of manufacture of the base material while adding waterproof properties through the lining or coating layer, preventing fluid leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The bin uses a flexible fabric or plastic shell combined with a waterproof thin film or lining. This thin film layer provides the necessary waterproof performance while allowing the overall bin structure to remain flexible and easy to manufacture.
4Reliability
If the bin is made from materials suitable for freezer applications, then the bin can withstand freezing temperatures, but the materials may become brittle
Solution Approach 1:
The bin uses materials with modified physical parameters that remain flexible at freezing temperatures. The fabric or plastic material is selected or treated to maintain its flexibility and prevent brittleness even when exposed to cold freezer temperatures, ensuring reliable performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A freezer bin system utilizes a collapsible bin with two sides having bin folding features and a base member of fabric to allow the sides to fold inward to collapse the bin and a base support insert configured for insertion into the bin for stability in an open configuration and one or more wall divider panels configured for detachable attachment across the wall of the collapsible bin to form compartments within the bin. A compartment divider panel may be configured to extend from a wall divider panel to one of the walls of the collapsible bin to enable further customization of the compartments within the bin. The wall panels may include a structural component, to provide effective strength and rigidity, and an interior and exterior fabric.