Foldable Container and Foldable Supporting Frame Thereof, and Folding Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable containers and supporting frames are cumbersome to fold and unfold, require multiple steps, and often lack stability, making them impractical for storage and use, especially in urban settings where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A foldable container system featuring a foldable supporting frame with a single operation switch that allows for easy conversion between unfolded and folded modes through a simple pulling operation, enabling the container body to automatically fold and unfold with the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the container is made rigid and large to provide sufficient space for use, then the usable space is adequate, but the storage space required becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs a flexible, foldable structure that transitions between expanded (usable) and collapsed (storage) states. The sidewalls and bottom are made of flexible material that can be folded along predetermined lines, allowing the container to dynamically change its volume from large to compact based on usage needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed to nest within itself when folded. The flexible sidewalls fold inward and the bottom folds to allow the entire structure to collapse into a compact form that occupies minimal storage space, similar to nested dolls.
2Volume of stationary object
If the container is made inflatable to reduce storage space, then the storage space requirement is reduced, but the setup process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple foldable sections with predetermined fold lines on the sidewalls and bottom. This segmentation allows the container to be quickly folded and unfolded along these pre-marked lines, simplifying the setup and storage process compared to traditional inflatable containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The fold lines are pre-determined and pre-marked on the flexible material during manufacturing. This preliminary action of creating fold lines during production eliminates the need for complex inflation/deflation processes during setup, as users simply need to fold along these pre-established lines.
3Volume of stationary object
If the supporting frame is made foldable to reduce storage space, then the storage space is reduced, but the stability and reliability during use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting frame is designed as a foldable structure with movable connections that can transition between folded and extended states. When extended for use, the frame provides stable support; when folded, it occupies minimal space. The dynamic design allows the frame to adapt between these two states while maintaining reliability during the supported state.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame includes support legs with cushioning elements or stabilizing features that are deployed when the frame is extended. These pre-designed support features ensure stability and reliability during use, compensating for the potential instability that might arise from the foldable nature of the frame.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple operation switches are used to control the supporting frame, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple operation switches are merged into a single integrated switch mechanism. This single switch controls multiple functions (such as extending different legs or sections of the frame) through a unified control interface, reducing the number of separate switches while maintaining precise control over the frame's configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The single operation switch is designed with multi-functionality, allowing it to control various aspects of the frame's operation (extension, retraction, locking of different sections). This universal switch performs multiple control functions that would otherwise require separate switches, simplifying the device while maintaining control precision.
Data Source
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.