Expandable Container Frame Assembly for Flexible Two-Dimensional Sizing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional containers are fixed in size and shape, limiting user flexibility and requiring multiple containers to accommodate varying needs, leading to inefficiencies in storage and transportation.

Innovation Solution

An expandable container system featuring a shell and an expandable frame assembly with adjustable frame members, sizing bands, and an adjustment mechanism, allowing the container to change size and shape dynamically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fixed-size containers are used, then manufacturing and structure are simple, but user flexibility and storage efficiency are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer size adaptabilityVSAvoidcontainer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container employs dynamic frame members that can move relative to each other along guide tracks, transforming the static container structure into a dynamic one. The frame members are connected via adjustable connectors that allow movement between retracted and extended positions, enabling the container to adapt its size while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The container frame is divided into multiple independent frame members (first frame member, second frame member, third frame member, fourth frame member) that can move independently. Each frame member is segmented with guide tracks and connectors that allow individual adjustment, enabling flexible reconfiguration of the container dimensions without requiring complete disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fixed-size containers are purchased to accommodate varying needs, then size flexibility is improved, but storage space and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer size flexibilityVSAvoidtotal storage space required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The container is designed as a universal system that can serve multiple functions and accommodate various load sizes. By incorporating adjustable frame members and connectors that allow continuous size modification, a single container replaces the need for multiple fixed-size containers, optimizing storage space while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The container dimensions are made variable through adjustable parameters. The frame members can be positioned at different locations along the guide tracks, and connectors can be adjusted to change the distance between frame members, allowing the container to adapt its volume to match the actual storage needs without requiring additional containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the container structure is made more complex to enable expansion, then size adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexpandable capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The container utilizes a flexible shell material that can accommodate the movement and reconfiguration of the frame members. The shell is designed to be stretchable and adaptable, allowing it to conform to the changing dimensions of the frame structure without requiring complex rigid components or additional fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

Guide tracks serve as intermediary elements between the frame members and the shell, providing a standardized interface for movement and adjustment. These guide tracks simplify the manufacturing process by offering a pre-defined path for frame member movement, reducing the need for complex custom-fit components while enabling expandable functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables flexible sizing options without the need for multiple containers, optimizing storage and transportation efficiency by adapting to varying loads.

Implementation Method 1

The shell may at least partially include an elastic material and defines an internal cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12604954B2Expandable container

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 PETROLINO JOHN C

AI summary

Provided are an expandable container, an expandable frame assembly, and associated components and methods. The expandable frame assembly for an expandable container may expand in at least two dimensions. The assembly may include a plurality of frame members configured to move relative to each other, a plurality of sizing members, and an adjustment mechanism operably coupled to the plurality of sizing members. Each of the plurality of sizing members may be connected to at least one of the plurality of frame members. The adjustment mechanism may be configured to move the plurality of sizing members between a first configuration and a second configuration. The first configuration may define a different distance between the plurality of frame members than the second configuration.