Collapsible Slat Container Design for Portable Storage and Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers are bulky and difficult to transport and store, leading to high costs and inconvenience in scenarios like trash receptacles, planters, and firepits.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible container with interconnected slats that can transition between a standing and collapsed configuration, featuring a base, retention rim, and optional feet, and which includes a locking mechanism and mechanical tension mechanism to maintain structural integrity and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional containers are used to ensure structural integrity and functionality, then the container can perform its intended function (e.g., trash receptacle, planter, firepit), but the container becomes bulky and difficult to transport and store
Solution Approach 1:
The container body is divided into multiple slats that can be interconnected and reconfigured. These slats form the walls of the container and can be connected through receivers and rods, allowing the structure to be segmented for collapse while maintaining integrity when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The container incorporates movable connections between slats that allow transition between expanded (standing) and collapsed configurations. The interconnected slats can pivot and fold relative to each other, enabling dynamic reconfiguration from a rigid standing structure to a compact folded state for transport and storage
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional containers are used to ensure stability and support, then the container can stand upright and function properly, but the container occupies large storage space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into collapsible slat sections that can be folded together. When collapsed, the slats nest within each other or fold parallel to reduce the overall volume, allowing the container to occupy minimal storage space while maintaining full functionality when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible slats are designed to nest within each other when the container is collapsed. The slats can be inserted into one another or folded in a nested arrangement, significantly reducing the storage volume required compared to the expanded standing configuration
3Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional containers are used to ensure durability and reusability, then the container can be used multiple times (e.g., seasonal planters, event trash receptacles), but the container is costly and inconvenient to transport and store
Solution Approach 1:
The container features dynamic folding mechanisms that allow quick transition between deployed and collapsed states. The movable connections enable the container to be rapidly folded for transport or storage and quickly set up again for reuse, making it convenient for temporary or seasonal applications without sacrificing durability
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible container design provides multi-functionality by serving as a durable, reusable structure that can be deployed for various purposes (trash receptacle, planter, firepit) and then collapsed for efficient storage or transport to the next location, increasing versatility and reducing the need for multiple permanent installations
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 container is easily transportable and storable, allowing versatile use in various settings without the bulk and space constraints of traditional containers.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical tension mechanism that connects the series of interconnected slats and biases the series interconnected slats to at least one of the standing configuration and the collapsed configuration, wherein the mechanical tension mechanism comprises a tension spring
Data Source
AI summary
A container that is collapsible and portable is provided. The container includes a body having a series of interconnected slats and each slat operable to be connected to an adjacent slat at a connection. The container also includes a base operable to support the body when the body is in a standing configuration. The series of interconnected slats are movable between the standing configuration and a collapsed configuration and the series of interconnected slats remain connected when moving between the standing configuration and the collapsed configuration.