Foldable Container Torsion Bar Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable containers are complex, heavy, and difficult to manufacture and mount due to their hinge devices, which hinder efficient folding and storage of empty containers, leading to increased transportation costs and space occupancy.
Innovation Solution
A foldable container design incorporating torsion bars at the lower ends of side wall panels to generate torque for smooth folding and unfolding, allowing the side walls to be easily folded by manpower, with the top plate detachably coupled to the side wall panels and supported by L-shaped rotation members and corner support members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hinge devices with hinge blocks, connection blocks, and hinge pins are used to couple side wall panels, then the container can be folded, but the structure becomes complex, heavy, and difficult to manufacture and mount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex hinge device structure (hinge blocks, connection blocks, hinge pins) entirely and replaces it with a simple torsion bar mechanism. The torsion bar is directly coupled to the side wall panel and bottom plate, eliminating the need for multiple separate components while achieving the same folding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate hinge components into a single torsion bar element. The torsion bar simultaneously provides the coupling between side wall panels and the bottom plate, and generates the torque needed for folding, combining what were previously separate functions into one integrated component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hinge devices with multiple components are used, then the container can be folded, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the heavy hinge device components (hinge blocks, connection blocks, hinge pins) and replaces them with a lightweight torsion bar. This extraction of unnecessary components directly reduces the overall weight of the container while maintaining the folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion bar is a simpler, lighter alternative to the heavy hinge device. While the torsion bar will eventually need replacement, its simpler construction makes it more economical and lighter weight, aligning with the principle of using simpler, less permanent components where appropriate.
3Reliability
If containers are transported in fixed volume, then cargo can be protected, but empty containers occupy large transportation space and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the container from a static fixed-volume structure to a dynamic foldable structure. The side wall panels can be rotated from a vertical cargo-carrying position to a horizontal folded position, allowing the container to adapt its volume based on whether it is being used for cargo or stored empty.
Solution Approach 2:
When folded, the side wall panels are positioned horizontally and can be nested against the bottom plate and top plate, creating a compact configuration that significantly reduces the container's overall volume for storage and transportation of empty containers.
4Productivity
If several containers are stacked to improve transportation efficiency, then space utilization improves, but the height of stacked containers creates accident risk
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable design allows containers to dynamically change their vertical dimension. When folded, the side wall panels reduce the container's height significantly, enabling safer stacking at lower heights while maintaining the ability to expand to full cargo volume when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial configuration from a tall vertical structure to a flattened horizontal structure when folded. This dimensional transformation reduces the vertical profile of stacked containers, eliminating the height-related safety risks while preserving cargo capacity when containers are unfolded.
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
Enables easy folding and storage of containers by manpower, reducing the height by ¼, facilitating efficient stacking and movement, thereby reducing storage and transportation costs and space occupancy.
Implementation Method 1
first and second torsion bars respectively provided at lower ends of the first and second side panels to generate torque when the first and second side panels are rotated
Implementation Method 2
facilitating the folding and unfolding of the side wall by accumulating elastic force in the torsion bar during the process of folding the side wall of the container and utilizing the accumulated elastic energy in the process of unfolding the side wall of the container
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a foldable container including a bottom plate, a top plate, and side wall panels provided between the bottom plate and the top plate, in which the side wall panels include a front panel, a rear panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, and the container includes first and second torsion bars respectively provided at lower ends of the first and second side panels to generate torque when the first and second side panels are rotated, third and fourth torsion bars respectively provided at lower ends of the front panel and the rear panel to generate torque when the front panel and the rear panel are rotated, and a first rotation support member having an L-shape, including one end coupled to a post coupling point (220) spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the lower end of the front panel, and the other end coupled to a third torsion bar at a bottom plate coupling point (210) located on a side spaced apart by a predetermined distance from an end of the bottom plate to support the rotation operation of the front panel, in which the top plate is completely detachably coupled to the side wall panel.