Foldable Cargo Container Hinge Structure for Standard Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable cargo containers are not compatible with standard containers, and lack simple and effective folding mechanisms, making them impractical for widespread adoption.

Innovation Solution

A foldable container design with hingedly connected panels and roof skirts, allowing for adjustable folding and unfolding using common equipment, ensuring compatibility with standard containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If foldable containers are designed to reduce space when empty, then space utilization improves, but compatibility with standard containers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupied by empty containerVSAvoidcompatibility with standard containers

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The foldable container is designed with standardized corner fittings and dimensions that allow it to function both as a foldable container for space-efficient transport and as a standard container that can be stacked and handled by existing equipment. The container maintains universal compatibility while enabling folding capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The container incorporates hinge mechanisms that allow the side panels to transition between extended and retracted positions, enabling the container to dynamically change its volume. When empty, the sides fold inward to reduce space; when loaded, they extend to provide full cargo capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If foldable containers use complex structural features to enable folding, then space reduction capability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupied by empty containerVSAvoidstructural features for folding

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into modular components including the base panel, roof panel, and side panels that can be independently folded. Each side panel is segmented into sections that fold sequentially, simplifying the overall folding mechanism while achieving compact storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The side panels are designed to fold inward and nest against the base panel when the container is empty, creating a compact nested configuration. The hinge mechanisms allow panels to fold onto themselves, maximizing space reduction while minimizing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12612245B2Folding container

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 COMPACT CONTAINER SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A foldable container adjustable between an unfolded condition and a folded condition comprises a roof panel and an opposing base panel, a front panel and an opposing door panel which are each hingedly connected to solely the roof panel, a right side panel and an opposing left side panel, a right side roof skirt and an opposing left side roof skirt, a left side compound beam and a right side compound beam extending from the base panel, and a left side hinge-beam structure and a right side hinge-beam structure each having a hinge point. The right side panel and the left side panel are hingedly coupled to their respective hinge-beam structures at the hinge points. The hinge points lie in different horizontal planes. The right side panel and the left side panel couple to their respective roof skirts at roof skirt interior points.