Foldable Parallelepiped Container with Toggle Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible trash containers are bulky, difficult to transport, prone to deformation and accidental opening, and lack stability and liquid-tightness, especially when filled with compacted trash, making them unsuitable for aviation and other compacting devices.
Innovation Solution
A substantially parallelepiped-shaped container made from a one-piece flat blank with strategically arranged creases and flaps, allowing for easy assembly, folding, and collapse, featuring a robust and stable closure system with U-shaped notches and a reinforcing bottom for enhanced strength and liquid retention, using recyclable and moisture-resistant materials like corrugated cardboard or plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a container is made collapsible to reduce storage space, then volume when empty is reduced, but structural strength and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple panels (front, back, left, right) connected by folding lines, allowing the structure to be segmented for collapse while maintaining strength when assembled. The reinforcement element is also segmented into portions that can be folded along with the panels.
Solution Approach 2:
A reinforcement element is pre-assembled and attached to the bottom of the container before use. This reinforcement is permanently fixed to provide continuous structural support during the collapse and expansion cycles, preventing the structure from becoming too weak when collapsed.
2Ease of manufacture
If a snap-shut closure system is used to simplify assembly, then ease of manufacture is improved, but stability and sealing performance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system uses a dynamic toggle mechanism with movable links that can be easily engaged and disengaged. The toggle action provides mechanical advantage to secure the lid firmly, while the entire closure assembly can be quickly released by simple manual action, combining ease of use with secure closure.
3Volume of moving object
If the container is designed to be compact for transport, then volume is reduced, but resistance to deformation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement element is pre-installed on the container bottom before the container is put into service. This permanent reinforcement structure remains in place during both collapsed and expanded states, providing continuous structural support that prevents deformation during transport even when the container is in its compact form.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a plastic bag is added to make the container liquid-tight, then liquid-tightness is improved, but ease of operation in compaction devices worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The container is made from disposable cardboard material that is inherently liquid-resistant when properly coated or treated. This eliminates the need for reusable plastic liners, allowing the container itself to be disposed of after use and preventing interference with compaction device operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a substantially parallelepiped- shaped container with a closable top opening, which container is obtained from a one-piece flat blank, wherein the arrangement of the parts is such that the container which is obtained, once assembled, is of the foldable and collapsible type with a space-saving function. Two non - consecutive flaps (25, 27) forming the closable top opening have U-shaped edge notches (31), spaced from each other, and oppositely arranged inverted-L inner notches (32).