Foldable Basket With Integrated Partition Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing baskets for transporting food are rigid, occupying significant space when empty and costly, making them unsuitable for single-use disposal.
Innovation Solution
A folding basket design featuring a sheet with multiple folding lines, a handle extending into a partition that divides it into two housings, providing strength and reduced space occupation, with optional closing flaps and internal partitions for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid baskets are used to ensure strength for transporting heavy products, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but space occupation increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The basket transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic foldable structure. The lateral surfaces are designed with folding lines that allow the basket to collapse into a compact form when empty, while maintaining structural integrity when loaded. This dynamic configuration enables the basket to adapt its volume based on usage state.
Solution Approach 2:
The basket is segmented into multiple lateral surfaces connected by folding lines, creating a collapsible structure. The handle is also segmented and integrated with the partition through folding mechanisms, allowing the entire assembly to fold compactly while maintaining strength through the segmented structural design.
2Strength
If rigid baskets are used to ensure strength for transporting heavy products, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but cost increases making single-use disposal impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The basket is constructed from a single flexible sheet of material (cardboard or plastic) that is folded and assembled into the final structure. This eliminates the need for complex rigid components, metal fasteners, and multi-part assemblies, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate strength for the intended application.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet is segmented into functional zones (lateral surfaces, bottom, handle, partition, closing flaps) that are interconnected through folding lines. This segmentation allows the entire basket to be formed from a single low-cost sheet without requiring expensive joining operations or additional hardware.
3Strength
If the handle extends downwardly into a partition dividing the basket into two housings, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle and partition are merged into a single integrated structure formed from the same sheet. The handle extends downward and becomes part of the partition that divides the basket into two housings, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition serving as the handle also performs the dual function of dividing the basket into two separate housings. This multi-functional design element reduces the total number of components needed while providing both handle functionality and internal division for organizing contents.
4Reliability
If closing flaps are added to prevent accidental exit of products, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding complex latches or fasteners to secure the closing flaps, the design inverts the approach by making the flaps themselves the closing mechanism. The flaps are shaped and positioned to naturally cover the openings, relying on their own geometry rather than additional securing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing flaps serve multiple functions: they seal the openings to prevent product escape, and when provided with holes, they also allow insertion of tall items like bottles. This multi-functionality is achieved without adding separate mechanisms, keeping the structure simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
The basket of the present invention comprises a lateral surface, a bottom and a handle (12) , said basket being formed from at least a sheet provided with a plurality of folding lines, and it is characterized in that said handle extends downwardly into a partition (11) which divides the basket into two housings. Said partition (11) is preferably joined to the bottom of the basket. It is obtained a very light basket, and which occupies a reduced space if transported in its unfolded position, with a great strength and suitable to transport heavy products, such as bottles.