Flexible Rib Hinge Rod Trap for Collapsible Bin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible bulk bin containers rely on screw plugs to trap hinge rods, which can loosen and cause cracking due to hoop stresses and shrinkage, leading to instability during use.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible bulk bin container design featuring flexible ribs and rib supports that trap the hinge rod without the need for screw plugs, allowing the ribs to flex for insertion and then block the opening to prevent removal, ensuring the hinge rod remains securely in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw plugs are used to trap hinge rods, then the hinge rod can be secured in place, but the screw plugs can loosen and fall out or crack the base portion due to hoop stresses and shrinkage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the screw plug component entirely from the system. Instead of using a separate fastening element that requires insertion and tightening, the hinge rod is trapped directly by the flexible rib structure that is integrally formed with the base portion. This extraction of the problematic screw plug eliminates the source of loosening and cracking while maintaining the hinge rod security function.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible rib is integrally formed with the base portion, merging two previously separate components (the trapping mechanism and the base structure) into a single unified structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate fastening elements and their associated installation stresses, while the flexible rib maintains the ability to trap the hinge rod securely through its elastic deformation capability.
2Reliability
If screw plugs are installed to secure the hinge rod, then the hinge rod is trapped, but installation causes hoop stresses that can crack the base portion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the screw plug installation process entirely. The flexible rib structure provides hinge rod retention through its elastic deformation during insertion, removing the need for threading, tightening, and sealing operations that characterize screw plug installation. This simplifies the manufacturing process and eliminates the associated hoop stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the installation mechanism from a high-stress threaded fastening process to a low-stress elastic deformation process. The flexible rib temporarily deforms elastically during hinge rod insertion and then returns to its original shape, providing retention without subjecting the base portion to the high hoop stresses generated by screw plug installation.
3Reliability
If screw plugs are used to prevent hinge rod removal, then the hinge rod is secured, but the screws can loosen over time during use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the screw plug from the system entirely, eliminating the component subject to loosening over time. The flexible rib structure provides continuous retention through its elastic memory, maintaining fixation reliability without the degradation issues associated with threaded fasteners that can loosen due to vibration, thermal cycling, or material relaxation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible rib structure provides self-servicing retention through its elastic properties. As the hinge rod exerts forces on the trapped structure, the flexible rib automatically adjusts and maintains retention pressure through its elastic recovery, without requiring periodic tightening or adjustment like screw plugs may require.
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 flexible rib system effectively secures the hinge rod without the risk of loosening or cracking, providing a stable and reliable mechanism for collapsing and expanding the container, eliminating the need for screw plugs and associated issues.
Implementation Method 1
A first flexible rib is connected to the first corner proximate the opening. The first flexible rib is moveable from a first position blocking the opening to a second position allowing access to the opening.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible bulk bin container having a flexible rib positioned to trap a hinge rod inserted between a base portion and a side wall of the container is provided. The flexible rib is moveable from a first position blocking an opening of a hinge rod channel to a second position allowing insertion or removal of the hinge rod.