Foldable Compartment Container With Removable Insert for Variable Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers with compartments for holding objects face issues with non-variable compartment layouts due to permanently attached dividers, and detachable dividers using hook-and-loop or snap fasteners are prone to wear.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring end walls that frictionally connect with side walls, allowing for a variable compartment layout, and includes a foldable structure with hinged components made of rigid or semi-rigid materials for stability and space-saving disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dividers are permanently attached to the outer shell, then the container structure is stable, but the compartment layout cannot be varied
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into an outer shell and a separate insert with dividers. The insert can be removed, repositioned, or replaced to vary compartment layouts, while the outer shell remains stable. This segmentation allows independent optimization of stability (outer shell) and adaptability (insert).
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is designed to be dynamically positionable within the outer shell through frictional contact between the end walls and side walls. This allows the compartment layout to be adjusted according to different needs while maintaining structural stability when in use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dividers are detachably attached using hook-and-loop fasteners or snap fasteners, then the compartment layout can be varied, but the attachment is prone to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The dividers are completely extracted from the outer shell structure, forming a separate insert that relies on frictional contact rather than mechanical fasteners. This eliminates the wear-prone hook-and-loop or snap fastener attachments while maintaining layout variability through the removable insert design.
Solution Approach 2:
Frictional contact serves as an intermediary mechanism between the insert and outer shell, providing a reliable connection without mechanical fasteners. The friction force is sufficient to hold the insert in position during use but allows easy removal when needed.
3Strength
If the container structure is made rigid for stability, then it can support heavier objects, but it cannot be folded for space-saving transport
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into the outer shell and the insert, both of which can be folded flat for compact storage. When assembled, the rigid materials provide strength for supporting heavier objects, while the segmented design enables space-saving folding when disassembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The container transitions between two states: a rigid, load-bearing state during use, and a folded, compact state for transport. The rigid or semi-rigid materials maintain structural integrity when assembled, while allowing the container to be disassembled and folded flat when not in use.
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 provides a stable, space-efficient container with variable compartment arrangements and easy access, enabling secure transport of heavier objects while allowing for compact packaging and easy assembly/disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
creating a frictional connection by the surface contact of the end walls with the front walls, which holds the insert in position with respect to the outer shell
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a container (10) with several compartments (18) for receiving objects, with an outer shell (12) and an insert (14) removably received in the outer shell (12), wherein the outer shell (12) has two end walls (22) and two side walls (24) connecting the end walls (22) to each other, wherein the end walls (22) and the side walls (24) are pivotally connected to each other at outer edges (26), wherein the insert (14) has two end walls (36) and at least one partition wall (38) connecting the end walls (36) to each other, wherein the compartments (18) are each surrounded by four walls from the ensemble of the end walls (22), the side walls (24), the end walls (36) and the at least one partition wall (38), and wherein each of the end walls (36) rests flat against one of the end walls (22).