Convertible Storage Mat Structure for Fast Small-Item Cleanup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices and activity mats lack the combination of features that make them easily convertible, packageable, stackable, and able to capture numerous small articles without obstruction during conversion, leading to frustration in cleanup processes, especially for activities involving multiple small pieces.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible and transportable storage container that converts into an activity mat and back into a storage container, featuring wall portions connected to a base with flexible webbing and stretchable joints, allowing it to fold into a compact stacked configuration, with securing means to hold the walls upright and a lid for secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If articles are stored in containers and dumped out for use, then articles can be easily accessed, but cleanup becomes time-consuming and frustrating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage container and activity mat into a single convertible device. The container walls can be folded flat to form an activity mat surface, and folded back up to capture articles automatically during the conversion process, eliminating separate storage and activity surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion mechanism automatically captures articles during the transformation from mat to container configuration. The inwardly biased flexible webbing and rising walls work together to gather scattered articles into the container without requiring manual pickup
2Volume of moving object
If a device is made collapsible for compact storage, then portability improves, but structural stability during use may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions between two stable configurations: a rigid container form for storage and a flat mat form for activities. The flexible joints and webbing allow dynamic transformation while maintaining structural integrity in both states through proper geometric design
Solution Approach 2:
The container is divided into modular wall portions connected by flexible joints, allowing each section to fold independently. This segmentation enables compact collapse while maintaining overall structural coherence when assembled
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible webbing is used to connect wall portions, then convertibility between configurations is enabled, but articles may become obstructed by the webbing during conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible webbing acts as a thin film connector that allows the container to transform between configurations. The webbing is designed to be inwardly biased, causing it to fold toward the interior during conversion, which minimizes its interference with articles on the mat surface
4Quantity of substance
If the device is designed to capture numerous small articles, then storage capacity improves, but the conversion process may be hindered by the articles themselves
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion mechanism automatically captures articles during the transformation process. As the walls rise from the flat configuration, the inwardly biased flexible webbing and rising walls work together to gather scattered articles into the container without requiring manual pickup, turning the conversion action itself into the collection process
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 device efficiently captures articles as it transforms between configurations, reducing cleanup time and effort, while being safe and easy to use for various age groups and compatible with different activities, maintaining a compact form for storage and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible webbing connected between each adjacent pair of the wall portions
Implementation Method 2
The stiffening wires hold the wall portions in an upright, rigid position in the first configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible device that converts between an activity mat and a storage container to capture and store numerous articles. Upon reclosing the activity mat, the articles are recaptured into the storage container. The device includes walls and a base, webbing connected between each adjacent wall pair, and a joint connected between the base and walls so that they are foldable into a third configuration wherein the footprint of the folded device is roughly the size of the base. In the third configuration, the walls are stacked relative to the base. The convertible device may further include attachment means for releasably holding the walls in a rigid and upright position in the first configuration. The webbing can be inwardly biased such that when the walls are urged from the second to the first configuration, the webbing folds toward the interior of the convertible device.