Foldable Container Groove Structure for Variable Capacity Stacking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable storage containers face limitations in space efficiency, structural integrity, and stackability, especially when handling goods of different sizes, and often require complex designs or mechanical elements prone to failure.

Innovation Solution

A foldable container design featuring parallel folding grooves in the side walls allows for variable storage capacity and stackability, with side walls folding inward to reduce thickness and include reinforcing elements for structural integrity, and a top lid that secures the container in both configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If foldable containers use hinges and joints to allow walls to fold inward, then the container volume is reduced when not in use, but the design complexity increases and structural integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer volumeVSAvoiddesign complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The side walls are divided into multiple segments by introducing folding grooves that create hinge lines. Each side wall is segmented into a first side wall element and a second side wall element, allowing independent folding movement while maintaining overall structural integrity through the groove design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic foldable structure through the folding grooves. The side walls can dynamically change between extended and collapsed configurations, allowing the container to adapt its volume based on storage needs while maintaining structural soundness through the groove-based hinge system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If foldable containers use flexible materials that can be folded or rolled up, then the container can be collapsed to minimum volume, but structural integrity when unfolded is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer volumeVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container combines rigid plastic material with strategically placed folding grooves to create a structure that is both strong when unfolded and foldable when collapsed. The composite structure of rigid walls with integrated hinge grooves provides the necessary strength while enabling the folding function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If cardboard containers have portions of side walls cut off to change storage capacity, then storage capacity is adjusted, but the container becomes non-reusable and environmentally unfriendly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidreusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of permanently modifying or discarding the container, the folding mechanism allows the container to be recovered in different configurations. The side walls can be folded inward to reduce volume or extended to provide full storage capacity, enabling repeated use and reducing environmental impact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Adaptability or versatility

If telescopic elements are used to change storage capacity, then storage capacity is adjustable, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome and prone to mechanical failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidmechanical failure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The complex telescopic mechanical system is replaced with a simpler folding groove mechanism. Instead of using telescopic elements that require multiple moving parts and are prone to failure, the invention uses groove-based hinges that allow straightforward folding motion with fewer moving parts and lower risk of mechanical failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4678551A1Versatile foldable container

Publication Date: 2026.01.14 SMART FLOW EURO

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B

AI summary

A container (1) comprising a base (10) and four side walls (12, 14, 16, 18), the container (1) being configured to be placed into an extended and a collapsed configuration, - in the extended configuration the container (1) comprises a first storage capacity (20) able to receive goods of a first dimension, - in the collapsed configuration, the container (1) comprises a second storage capacity (22) to receive goods of a second dimension, wherein the first storage capacity (20) is greater than the second storage capacity (22), wherein each one of the four side walls (12, 14, 16, 18) comprises a groove folding area (30), the groove folding area (30) being configured to divide each side wall (12, 14, 16, 18) into a first side wall element (32) below the groove folding area and a second side wall element (34) above the groove folding area (30), and wherein at least two of the four side walls (12, 14, 16, 18) comprise at least two folding grooves (36, 38) in the groove folding area (30), the at least two folding grooves (36, 38) being substantially parallel to the base (10).