Collapsible Rigid Plastic Panel Carrying Case
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible and reusable carrying cases lack versatility in size options, durability, and water resistance, making them unsuitable for storing and transporting food, water, and vital supplies to remote regions without sophisticated utilities.
Innovation Solution
Development of collapsible, foldable, and reusable carrying cases constructed from rigid plastic panels with integral fittings and corrugated plastic panels, featuring snap connections, living hinges, and reinforced edges, which are waterproof and require no tools for assembly or disassembly, allowing for easy transformation between storage and functional configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If collapsible carrying cases are made from molded plastic panels with latches and hinges, then durability and reusability are improved, but assembly complexity and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying case is divided into modular panels that can be assembled independently. Each panel is a self-contained unit with integrated connection features, allowing the case to be built from simple, standardized components rather than requiring complex pre-assembled structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel connection system merges multiple functions into single integrated features: the raised edges provide both structural reinforcement and alignment guidance, while the snap-fit connections combine joining, locking, and sealing functions. This eliminates the need for separate latches, hinges, and reinforcement elements.
2Reliability
If collapsible carrying cases use rigid plastic panels with integral fittings, then water resistance and durability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panels feature localized raised edges and reinforcement ribs only at critical areas where structural strength and water resistance are needed, rather than making the entire panel uniformly thick or complex. This provides targeted protection while keeping manufacturing simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrying case combines rigid plastic panels with flexible sealing elements created by the raised edge structures. The interaction between the rigid panel walls and the flexible gasket material formed by the raised edges creates a composite water-resistive system that leverages the strengths of both material types.
3Volume of moving object
If collapsible carrying cases are designed to fold flat for storage, then space efficiency is improved, but structural stability during use may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The panel connections are designed to be rigid when assembled, providing structural stability during use, but allow the entire case to be easily disassembled and folded flat for storage. The dynamic aspect is in the transition between the stable assembled state and the compact folded state, achieved through simple snap-fit connections that can be quickly engaged and disengaged.
Data Source
AI summary
Collapsible reusable watertight carrying cases are provided in sizes varying from small containers to large sealable container bins on wheels, to provide large quantities of water to remote areas not served by public water supplies, or where water supplies are unavailable because of weather disasters. The cases are assembled or disassembled from a joined flat space-saving configuration to a functioning case and vice-versa. The sides of the cases are erected progressively by hand by interlocking elements at the corners. The panels also disassemble progressively by being manually pulled apart. When folded into a flat storage or shipping configuration, the panels stay together, resisting unfolding by virtue of snaps which are either molded into the panels or bonded to them. The carrying cases are resistant to water, dirt, bacteria, molds, allergens, and inclement weather.