Foldable Transport Container With Folded-Position Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport containers are not designed for repeated use due to irreversible folding mechanisms, require significant storage space when unfolded, and are not suitable for logistics due to complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A foldable transport container with interlocking closure means allowing reversible folding, minimizing storage space, and preventing contamination, featuring a lid pivotably connected to a side wall with corresponding closure elements for secure folding and unfolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the transport container is designed with irreversible folding mechanisms, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the container cannot be reused and requires significant storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing reversible folding mechanisms that allow the container to dynamically transition between unfolded and folded states multiple times. The side walls are designed with hinge connections that enable repeated folding and unfolding operations, transforming a static, single-use structure into a dynamic, reusable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is segmented into modular components including side walls, base, and lid that can be independently folded and reconfigured. Each side wall is divided into foldable sections connected by hinges, allowing the structure to be collapsed into a compact form while maintaining structural integrity for repeated use.
2Reliability
If the transport container is stored in an unfolded state for repeated use, then reusability is enabled, but storage space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs dynamic folding mechanisms that enable it to transition between expanded operational state and compact storage state. The reversible hinge connections allow the side walls to be folded repeatedly, reducing storage volume while maintaining reusability through multiple folding cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The folded side walls are designed to nest within the container's footprint, with each wall folding into a compact configuration that minimizes the overall volume occupied during storage. The nested folding pattern allows the container to achieve a compact form factor suitable for space-efficient storage.
3Volume of stationary object
If simple folding mechanisms are used to reduce storage space, then storage efficiency improves, but the container lacks secure closure means for the folded position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the folding mechanism with integrated closure means by incorporating latching elements directly into the hinge structure of the side walls. The same mechanical components that enable folding also provide secure locking in the folded position, combining two functions into a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism operates automatically through spring-loaded latching elements that engage with corresponding receptacles when the container is folded. The system self-secures without requiring external intervention, with the folding motion itself triggering the engagement of closure means that hold the folded position securely.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a foldable transport container (10), which can be moved between an unfolded transport position and a folded position, with a base (12), a lid (16), a side wall (14a) carrying the lid (16) and three further side walls (14), wherein the lid (16) is pivotably connected to the supporting side wall (14a) about a pivot axis, characterised in that interlocking or engageable closure means (30) for fixing the transport container (10) in the folded position have corresponding first and second closure elements (32, 34), which are designed to be brought into engagement with one another in the folded position, wherein at least one first closure element (32) is arranged in the region of the lid (16) and at least one second closure element (34) is arranged in the region of a lower base edge (18) of the further side walls (14).