Collapsible Storage Box With Retractable Panels for Space-Saving Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage boxes cannot be collapsible, leading to large space occupation when not in use.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible storage box design featuring retractable side and bottom assemblies, allowing for folding and spatial adjustment through movable panels and hinge mechanisms, including vertical and transverse folding avoidance plates to minimize space when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If storage boxes are made with adjustable spatial storage sizes through sleeve connection and folding of panels, then adaptability is improved, but the boxes cannot be collapsible and occupy large storage space when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable spatial storage sizeVSAvoidstorage space occupied when not in use

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage box employs dynamic hinge connections between side panels and bottom panels, allowing the structure to transition between expanded and collapsed states. The hinge mechanisms enable the side panels to fold inward and the bottom panels to collapse, transforming the rigid box into a compact configuration that minimizes storage space while maintaining adaptability during use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The side panels are designed to fold inward and nest within the box's footprint when collapsed. The retractable side panels can be stored within the confines of the box structure itself, creating a nested configuration where the extended panels are accommodated within the collapsed form, significantly reducing the volume occupied during storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If side panels are made retractable through sliding mechanisms, then spatial adjustment capability is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial adjustment capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The side panels are divided into multiple segments connected by sliding mechanisms, allowing each segment to move independently relative to others. This segmentation enables gradual adjustment of the box's dimensions while distributing the mechanical complexity across multiple simple sliding joints rather than requiring a single complex mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Sliding guides and rail structures serve as intermediary elements that facilitate the movement of side panels while constraining motion to predetermined paths. These intermediary components simplify the overall mechanism by providing fixed trajectories for panel movement, reducing the need for complex control systems while maintaining smooth spatial adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of stationary object

If folding mechanisms are added to enable collapsibility, then space efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge connections serve dual purposes: they enable folding for collapse while simultaneously providing structural support when the box is expanded. By merging the folding mechanism with the structural framework, the design eliminates the need for separate reinforcement elements, simplifying manufacturing while achieving both collapsibility and structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of designing a rigid box and adding folding mechanisms as separate components, the invention inverts the approach by designing the structure around inherent fold lines and hinge locations from the beginning. This inverted design philosophy allows the folding capability to be integrated into the basic structure, reducing manufacturing complexity compared to adding folding mechanisms to an existing rigid design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20250263201A1Collapsible storage box

Publication Date: 2025.08.21 HUANG HUAZE

AI summary

A collapsible storage box includes a box body having a containing space that is formed by joining four side retractable assemblies and at least one bottom retractable assembly. Each side retractable assembly includes a first side retractable plate assembly formed by two movable panels slidably sleeved with each other. A side edge of the bottom retractable assembly is hinged with a lower portion of one side retractable assembly. Two opposite side retractable assemblies of the four side retractable assemblies are combined to form a first fold-over unit, and the other two opposite side retractable assemblies are combined to form a second fold-over unit. The storage box is spatially adjustable in size and thus can be folded.