Collapsible Silicone Storage Bin with Pleated Accordion Wall

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle storage solutions do not provide a convenient, compact, and easily accessible storage compartment that can be easily deployed and stowed, limiting the utilization of cargo space.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible storage bin with a support structure made from rigid plastic and a flexible silicone wall portion with pleats, allowing the bin to transition between a collapsed and expanded position, providing a storage compartment that can be easily expanded or stowed, using an accordion-like motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed storage bin is installed in the vehicle cargo area, then storage functionality is provided, but the cargo space is permanently occupied and cannot be fully utilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space utilizationVSAvoidcargo area occupancy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage bin employs a flexible silicone wall that can dynamically change between expanded and collapsed states. The flexible material allows the bin to transition from a compact flat configuration for storage to a three-dimensional expanded configuration for use, enabling the cargo space to be fully utilized when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collapsed storage bin can be nested within or adjacent to the support structure, occupying minimal space. The flexible wall allows the bin to be compressed into a thin profile that can be stored alongside the rigid support framework, effectively nesting the storage function within the vehicle's existing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If a collapsible storage bin with flexible walls is used, then compact storage is achieved, but structural support and stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage bin compactnessVSAvoidbin structural support

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The storage bin employs different material properties in different locations: the support structure is made of rigid plastic to provide structural strength and stability, while the walls are made of flexible silicone to enable collapsibility. This local differentiation of material properties allows the bin to be both strong when expanded and compact when collapsed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The storage bin combines rigid plastic for the support structure with flexible silicone for the walls, creating a composite structure that leverages the strengths of both materials. The rigid plastic provides the necessary structural framework and stability, while the flexible silicone enables the collapsible functionality and compact storage capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Quantity of substance

If a traditional fixed storage bin is installed, then storage capacity is maximized, but deployment and stowing require significant time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoiddeployment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible silicone wall enables rapid deployment and stowing of the storage bin. When expansion is needed, the user simply pulls the outer wall to expand the flexible portion into its three-dimensional configuration. When storage is needed, the user presses the bin to collapse it into a flat profile, dramatically reducing the time required compared to traditional fixed bins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If the storage bin is made entirely of rigid material, then structural integrity is maintained, but the bin cannot be collapsed or compressed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebin structural integrityVSAvoidcollapsibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

The collapsible storage bin offers a convenient and accessible storage solution that can be compactly stored when not needed, allowing full use of the cargo area and providing a secure storage compartment when required.

Implementation Method 1

The flexible wall portion includes at least one pleat, and is collapsible in an accordion motion between a collapsed position and an expanded position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccordion motion: Folding

Data Source

PatentUS9421916B1Vehicle with collapsible silicone storage bins

Publication Date: 2016.08.23 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A storage bin for an interior compartment of a vehicle includes a support structure manufactured from a substantially rigid plastic material, and configured for attachment to a panel of the vehicle. An outer wall portion is manufactured from a substantially rigid plastic material. A flexible wall portion is manufactured from a flexible silicone material, and interconnects the support structure and the outer wall portion. The flexible wall portion includes a plurality of pleats, and is collapsible in an accordion motion between a collapsed position and an expanded position. When disposed in the collapsed position, the flexible wall portion supports the outer wall portion adjacent the panel. When disposed in the expanded position, the flexible wall portion supports the outer wall portion a lateral offset distance from the panel to define a storage compartment.