Foldable Container Frame with Single-Pull Collapse for Compact Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional temporary containers are cumbersome to set up and store, especially in urban areas with limited space, due to their rigid design and requirement for inflation, which also poses risks of air leakage and water damage.

Innovation Solution

A foldable container with a foldable supporting frame that can be easily converted between unfolded and folded modes using a single pulling force, allowing for compact storage and easy transportation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the temporary container is made rigid to maintain shape and stability, then structural stability is improved, but storage space requirement increases and portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidstorage space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The container employs a collapsible frame structure that transitions between expanded (stable) and collapsed (compact) states. The frame includes movable joints and interconnected members that allow dynamic reconfiguration, enabling the container to maintain rigidity when needed and reduce to minimal volume for storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The container structure is divided into modular segments including collapsible frame sections, detachable panels, and segmented support elements. These modular components can be independently folded or detached, allowing the overall structure to be compacted efficiently while maintaining structural integrity during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the temporary container is made inflatable to reduce storage space, then storage space requirement is reduced, but setup complexity increases and reliability deteriorates due to air leakage risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space requirementVSAvoidair leakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The container utilizes flexible fabric or thin-walled panels as structural elements that can be folded for compact storage yet maintain sufficient rigidity when assembled. These flexible surfaces are tensioned within the collapsible frame structure, providing a reliable alternative to inflatable designs without requiring airtight seals or pumps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Volume of moving object

If the container is designed to be foldable for compact storage, then storage space requirement is reduced, but structural stability during use deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space requirementVSAvoidstructural stability during use

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The collapsible frame incorporates dynamic joint mechanisms that lock into stable configurations when expanded. These joints include latch mechanisms, friction locks, or geometric interlocking features that ensure the frame maintains rigid structural stability during use while allowing easy collapse for storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure includes pre-configured bracing elements and cross-support members that automatically engage when the container is assembled. These preliminary structural actions ensure stability is established as part of the expansion process, eliminating the need for additional stabilization steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Quantity of substance

If the container is made larger to provide sufficient bathing or cleaning space, then functional capacity is improved, but storage space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater capacityVSAvoidstorage space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3804574B1Foldable container

Publication Date: 2025.04.30 MU MENGMENG

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Figure 3A

AI summary

A foldable container includes a foldable supporting frame, at least one operation switch arranged on the foldable supporting frame, and a container body supported on the foldable supporting frame. The operation switch is actuated through a pulling operation to move the foldable supporting frame between an unfolded mode and a folded mode. The container has an edge and an opening formed within the edge. At the unfolded mode, the opening is opened. At the folded mode, the opening is closed. The container body is automatically folded as the foldable supporting frame is moved from the unfolded mode to the folded mode. Via a folding method, the foldable supporting frame is folded to reduce an overall size for occupying less storage space when it is not in use.