Foldable Transport Case Compartment Tension Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable transport containers experience instability due to the weight of components, causing sagging and potential collisions, as traditional reinforcement methods like round bars or rods compromise foldability.

Innovation Solution

A compartment with a horizontally extending belt strap and an inelastic stabilization device, such as a tension belt made of woven or knitted fabric, is used to distribute loads evenly across the side wall, preventing sagging and maintaining stability under high loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the compartment is reinforced with round bars or rods to improve stability, then the stability increases, but the foldability of the transport container is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidfoldability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from rigid (round bars or rods) to flexible (textile material with stabilization device). The textile material can adapt its stiffness depending on loading conditions - remaining flexible when empty for foldability, and becoming stable when loaded through the stabilization device activation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilization device is designed to be activated only when needed - when the compartment is loaded. The device remains dormant when the compartment is empty, allowing free folding, and becomes active to provide stability when components are placed in the compartment, thus dynamically adapting to operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the webbing is used to connect the compartment to the transport container, then the connection is established, but the webbing sags and gives way under load

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconnectionVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization device acts as an intermediary element between the webbing and the compartment content. It transfers and distributes the load from the webbing across the entire side wall structure, preventing the webbing from sagging while maintaining the connection functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilization device is divided into multiple straps arranged in different orientations (first strap in first direction, second strap in second direction). This segmentation distributes the load across multiple pathways, preventing any single webbing or connection point from bearing the entire load

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the compartment is made from flexible materials to maintain foldability, then the foldability is preserved, but the compartment bends and collides with other compartments

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefoldabilityVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The compartment combines flexible textile material with a stabilization device made of inelastic material (such as plastic or metal). This composite structure maintains the flexibility and foldability of the textile while the inelastic stabilization device provides the necessary rigidity to prevent bending and collision when loaded

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution ensures the compartment's stability without sacrificing foldability, as the tension belt balances tensile forces and neutralizes horizontal loads, preventing downward bending and ensuring secure component protection.

Implementation Method 1

the stabilization device is designed to derive the vertical loads in the form of tensile forces, so that the horizontal loads are neutralized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTensile force distribution: Tension

Implementation Method 2

it is designed to be essentially inelastic. In this way it can be ensured that the stabilizing device does not yield or yields only very slightly as a result of a load

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInelastic deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP3168172B1Compartments and foldable transport case
Publication Date: 2018.06.27 EBNET JOSEF
  • EP3168172B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3168172B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3168172B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a compartment (1) made of a textile material for arrangement in a transport container (15) with at least one compartment (2) for receiving components, wherein the compartment (2) comprises at least one side wall (3) having a webbing strap (4). According to the invention, the side wall (3) has at least one tensionable stabilizing device (28) which is arranged such that the side wall (3) is pre-tensioned at least when the compartment (2) is loaded. Furthermore, the invention relates to a foldable transport container (15) with a cuboid shell (16), wherein at least two opposite sides of the shell (16) have vertical folding edges (17), and with an outer ring (18) to which the shell (16) is attached. According to the invention, at least one compartment (1) according to the invention is arranged in the transport container (15).