Foldable Container Hinged Walls and Latch Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable containers face challenges in maintaining sufficient rigidity and strength when in the upright configuration while also needing to fold compactly for storage.
Innovation Solution
A foldable container design featuring a base with hingedly connected first and second walls, and a lid with latch assemblies, allowing for secure upright configuration and easy conversion to a collapsed state for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the walls are made rigid and strong to maintain structural integrity in upright position, then the container strength is improved, but the container becomes difficult to collapse and store compactly
Solution Approach 1:
The container walls are divided into multiple segments connected by hinge mechanisms, allowing the structure to be segmented into collapsible sections while maintaining strength in each individual wall panel. The walls can be divided into upper and lower portions that pivot relative to each other, enabling controlled collapse while preserving structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The container transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with movable hinge connections. The hinge mechanisms allow the walls to pivot between upright and collapsed positions, transforming the container from a fixed strong structure to an adaptable system that can change its configuration based on operational needs.
2Ease of operation
If the walls are made flexible to allow easy collapsing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural integrity and rigidity in upright position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the walls into rigid panels connected by hinges, each panel maintains its structural strength while the connection points provide the necessary flexibility for collapsing. The segmentation allows the container to have both strong individual components and flexible overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanisms act as intermediary elements between the rigid wall panels, providing the necessary flexibility and movement capability while allowing the strong panels to remain intact. The hinges mediate between the conflicting requirements of rigidity and flexibility, enabling the walls to pivot without compromising the strength of the wall panels themselves.
3Volume of moving object
If the container is designed to fold completely flat for compact storage, then the storage efficiency is improved, but the structural stability in upright configuration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs dynamic hinge connections that allow full collapse to a flat configuration for compact storage, while in the upright position, the same hinge mechanism provides stable support. The dynamic nature of the hinges allows the structure to adapt between these two extreme states, maintaining stability when upright and enabling complete collapse when stored.
4Adaptability or versatility
If hinge mechanisms are added to enable folding, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanisms are integrated at the segments where walls connect to the base and to each other, allowing folding capability to be added at specific locations without requiring a complete redesign of the entire structure. The segmentation approach enables selective placement of hinges to achieve the desired folding functionality with minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanisms are combined with the existing wall and base structures, integrating the folding capability into the overall container design rather than adding separate complex mechanisms. The hinges are merged with the wall panels and base framework, creating a unified structure that achieves adaptability through integrated design.
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 container maintains structural integrity in the upright position and efficiently collapses for space-saving storage, with the latch assemblies ensuring secure attachment of the lid and stability during use.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is connected to the button body and configured to engage with the housing. Compression of the button body against the spring effects disengagement of the latching member from the second wall ledge to remove the lid from the second wall.
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first and second walls is configured to hingedly rotate with respect to the base between an upright position and a collapsed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable container includes a base, a pair of first walls, a pair of second walls, and a lid. The first and second walls may hingedly rotate with respect to the base between an upright and a collapsed position. The lid may attach to the second walls while the second walls are upright. The lid includes latch assemblies, with the latch assemblies including a housing and a button assembly moveable within the housing. The button assembly includes a button body, a latching member, and a spring. The latching member is connected to the button body and may engage with the second wall to attach the lid to the second wall. The spring is connected to the button body and may engage with the housing. Compression of the button body against the spring effects disengagement of the latching member from the second wall to remove the lid from the second wall.