Folding Box With Flexible Side Panels And Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding boxes are inconvenient to store and transport when empty, as they require separate covers to be removed or side parts to be folded sequentially, leading to wasted space and reduced portability.
Innovation Solution
A folding box design featuring soft, flexible side parts on the left and right sides, equipped with hinges and magnets, allowing for easy folding and unfolding, and incorporating a bottom folding mechanism with a spring for efficient volume reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the box is designed as a rigid structure for item protection, then strength and reliability are improved, but volume reduction and portability deteriorate when empty
Solution Approach 1:
The box body is divided into multiple foldable panels (front, rear, left, right side panels) that can be separated and folded independently. This segmentation allows the rigid protective structure to be disassembled into compact segments for storage, resolving the contradiction between maintaining strength during use and reducing volume during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The box transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic foldable structure through hinges and flexible side parts. The side panels are designed with flexible materials that allow controlled deformation during folding while maintaining structural integrity during use, enabling volume reduction without compromising protection.
2Volume of moving object
If folding mechanisms are added to reduce storage volume, then portability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side panels incorporate flexible side parts made of flexible material that enable folding motion without requiring complex mechanical joints. This flexibility allows the box to be folded and unfolded easily while maintaining simplicity in the overall structure, reducing device complexity compared to rigid folding mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The box includes elastic members (springs) that automatically provide the force needed for folding and unfolding operations. When side panels are folded, the elastic members store energy and automatically assist in returning the box to its original shape, reducing the need for complex external actuation mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional folding methods are used requiring cover separation, then volume reduction is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The folding function is merged into the main box body structure rather than requiring separate cover components. The front, rear, and side panels are all integrated into a unified foldable structure that can be collapsed together in one motion, eliminating the need for separate cover removal and simplifying the folding operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible side parts allow the box to be folded and collapsed in a single continuous motion without requiring separation of covers or complex sequential folding steps. The flexibility enables smooth deformation of the entire structure, making the folding operation simple and intuitive.
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 design maximizes convenience by enabling easy folding and unfolding, reducing storage volume, and enhancing portability while maintaining structural integrity and item protection.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member, which provides elastic force to the bottom folding means when the bottom part is folded inward
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic member, which is located at a lower area of the folding means on left and right sides and allows the side panels to be held in an unfolded state
Data Source
AI summary
A folding box that can be folded and unfolded easily and increases convenience in use, the folding box includes: a bottom part folded inward by at least one bottom folding means; a front side part connected to a front side of the bottom part; a rear side part connected to a rear side of the bottom part; a left side part connected to a left side of the bottom part, and folded inward by at least one left folding means; and a right side part connected to a right side of the bottom part, and folded inward by at least one right folding means, the left side part and the right side part each have a soft flexible side, so as to fold the bottom part inward when the left side part and the right side part are folded inward.