Collapsible Jug with Pivoting Link for Configuration Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible containers, such as jugs, lack efficient mechanisms for transitioning between collapsed and in-use configurations, which affects usability and storage convenience.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible jug design featuring a link with pivotally attached flexible prongs that engage with a spout and recesses in the lower member, allowing the jug to switch between collapsed and in-use configurations, with the link also serving as a handle in the in-use mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a collapsible container is designed to be compact for storage, then storage convenience is improved, but the mechanism for transitioning between collapsed and in-use configurations becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The link combines multiple functions into a single component: it acts as both the transition mechanism and the handle for carrying the jug. The link integrates the upper terminal section for attachment to the upper member, the lower terminal section with prongs for engagement with the lower member, and the elongate section that serves as the handle, eliminating the need for separate mechanism components
Solution Approach 2:
The link serves multiple purposes: it enables configuration transition by pivoting between locked positions, provides structural support by connecting upper and lower members, and functions as a carrying handle when the jug is in use. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining compact collapse capability
2Ease of operation
If a link mechanism is added to enable configuration transition, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism utilizes the user's handling actions for both carrying and configuration transition. When the user picks up the jug by the link, the same grip enables pivoting the link between locked positions. The prongs automatically engage with recesses or the spout through simple pivoting motion, requiring no separate operating mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The link employs flexible prongs that can bend and pivot to engage with either the spout or recesses in the lower member. This flexibility allows the prongs to adapt to different engagement positions without requiring complex locking mechanisms, joints, or additional components
3Device complexity
If the link serves as both transition mechanism and handle, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of configuration retention may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function is extracted from the link itself and implemented through separate engagement features: the prongs that hook onto recesses in the lower member or the spout. This separation allows the link to maintain its primary function as handle while reliability is ensured through dedicated engagement geometry with hooks and recesses
Solution Approach 2:
The prongs are designed with curved hooks that engage with recesses or the spout, creating a secure mechanical interlock. The curved geometry provides natural retention through the hook shape, ensuring reliable configuration retention without adding complex locking mechanisms to the link structure
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 seamless transformation between configurations, enhancing user convenience for filling, transporting, and pouring liquids while optimizing storage by maintaining structural integrity and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a link that has a first end pivotally attached to the upper member at a second side of the upper member
Implementation Method 2
the second end of the link comprises two flexible prongs that are adapted to engage with: the spout when the jug is in its collapsed configuration; and at least one recess formed in the lower member when the jug is in its in-use configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible jug includes an upper member defining an opening and having a spout at a first side of the upper member. The jug has a lower member defining a base, and a collapsible side wall extending between the upper and lower members. The jug has a link that has a first end pivotally attached to the upper member at a second side of the upper member. The container is alterable between a collapsed configuration wherein the side wall is collapsed and a second end of the link is releasably attached to the spout such that the lower member is releasably retained between the link and the upper member and an in-use configuration wherein the side wall is extended and the second end of the link is releasably attached to the lower member such that the upper and lower members are releasably retained in a spaced apart configuration.