Foldable Container with Elastic Rotating Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air cargo containers face challenges in efficient space utilization, manual folding difficulties, and resource wastage due to complex mechanisms and vulnerability to cargo separation during transport.
Innovation Solution
A foldable container design featuring a pair of side plates that fold inward using a hinge portion, with an elastic pivoting device allowing automatic unfolding and locking/unlocking via an elastic force, and a locking mechanism for easy manual operation, enabling efficient folding and volume reduction without a separate driving force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an air cylinder and air inlet are provided for automatic folding, then the container can be automatically folded, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The container uses its own structural components (side plates, molds, locking means) to perform the folding action automatically through mechanical interaction, eliminating the need for external air cylinders and air inlets. The system serves itself by utilizing the movement of side plates to trigger the folding sequence through pre-designed mechanical pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex pneumatic system (air cylinder, air inlet, control valves) is completely removed from the container structure. Only the essential structural components (side plates, molds, locking means) are retained, significantly reducing device complexity while preserving the automatic folding function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If front and rear surfaces are opened for folding, then the container can be foldable, but separate covering means are required adding complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The side plates are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable folding through hinge portions, and automatically cover the front and rear surfaces during the folding process. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate covering means, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering function is merged into the side plate structure itself. When side plates fold inward, they naturally cover the front and rear surfaces, combining the covering function with the existing structural components rather than adding separate covering mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If manual manipulation or forklift force is used for unfolding, then the container can be unfolded, but it requires significant manual effort or external equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is pre-positioned and designed to automatically engage and disengage at specific points during the folding/unfolding sequence. The elastic pivoting device is pre-loaded with elastic force that automatically activates to assist unfolding when the locking means releases, reducing the need for external force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure uses its own elastic components and mechanical linkages to generate the force needed for unfolding. The elastic pivoting device stores and releases elastic energy to assist the unfolding process, making the system self-sufficient rather than relying on external forklifts or significant manual effort.
4Productivity
If a separate driving force means is added for folding, then the folding process can be automated, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container utilizes the kinetic energy from the folding motion itself and stored elastic energy to drive the folding process automatically. The mechanical interaction between side plates, molds, and locking means creates a self-sustaining folding sequence without requiring external motors, hydraulics, or pneumatic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the elastic pivoting device from a stored elastic energy state to a released energy state during folding. This parameter change (elastic potential energy to kinetic energy) provides the driving force for folding without requiring external power sources or complex driving mechanisms.
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 simplifies the folding process, reduces manual effort, and ensures secure cargo loading and storage by automatically unfolding and locking the container, effectively addressing space utilization and resource efficiency issues.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic pivoting device for the foldable container, which is provided to hinge-pivot due to an elastic force such that an horizontally folded upper mold or lower mold is vertically unfolded
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable container includes a pair of lateral plates foldably formed between a top plate and a bottom plate, where the lateral plates include an upper lateral plate and a lower lateral plate which are inwardly foldable by a hinge. The upper and lower lateral plates of the lateral plates respectively include upper molds and lower molds at corners on both sides thereof, and the upper and lower molds are mutually locked or unlocked by means of movement of a locking means. Accordingly, it is possible to allow a user to simply lock or unlock the folding of the container by controlling the locking means in the process of folding the container, and enabling the upper and lower molds to be automatically unfolded.