Foldable Container Z-Frame for Easy Collapsing and Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible sales and transport containers require significant technical effort to transition into a non-use position and do not efficiently nest for space-saving storage.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible sales and transport container design featuring a Z-shaped base frame with pivotable side walls and diagonal connecting struts that allow for easy folding and nesting, utilizing a torsion-resistant base frame with articulated connections and roller wheels for efficient handling and stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional collapsible container designs are used with multiple movable components, then the container can be collapsed into a non-use position, but significant technical effort is required and many components must be moved
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into a stationary base frame and movable side wall assemblies. The base frame remains fixed while only the side walls with their integrated struts need to be moved, segmenting the movement requirements and reducing the complexity of collapsing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical struts are merged with the side wall structures, creating integrated assemblies where the struts become part of the side wall units. This merging reduces the number of separate movable components, as the struts no longer need to be independently manipulated during collapsing.
2Volume of moving object
If traditional container designs are used, then containers can be collapsed, but they do not nest efficiently for space-saving storage
Solution Approach 1:
The container design enables one container to be placed inside another when both are in their collapsed states. The standardized base frame dimensions and folded side wall configurations allow efficient nesting, significantly reducing the storage space required for multiple containers.
3Ease of operation
If multiple components are moved during collapsing, then the container can be folded, but the process requires significant technical effort
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls are pre-configured with pivot connections and the struts are pre-positioned in the folded state within the side wall assemblies. This preliminary arrangement allows the collapsing action to simply involve moving the entire side wall assembly rather than coordinating multiple independent components, significantly reducing the effort and time required.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a collapsible sales and transport container (1) having a base frame (G) composed of transverse rods or longitudinal connectors (2, 3) having four corner-side supporting feet (4, 5, 6, 7), and engaging beneath at least one bottom part (8). On said base frame, transverse and longitudinal side walls (9, 10, 11, 12) respectively, are held in a pivotably movable manner by means of respective edge-side vertical struts (13, 14, 15, 16) such that at least two of the opposite walls (10, 12) can pivot about a vertical axis (H) defined by the vertical strut (13, 15), and in a folding position thus attained, a plurality of the containers can be brought into a space-saving non-use position. The improvement according to the invention provides that between two of the vertical struts (13, 14, that is, 15, 16) interacting in pairs in the area of a side wall, the base frame (G) has a stationary support strut (17, 18) each as longitudinal connector. Said two opposite walls (9, 11) in the area of the support struts (17, 18) are connected to at least one diagonal connecting strut (T, T') such that a z-shaped support structure of the base frame (G) is defined. In the area of the connecting strut (T, T'), this z-shaped structure of the base frame (G) can beneficially be provided with at least one support joint (23, 23'), wherein the connecting strut (T, T') can be displaced relative to a fixing device (24, 24') provided at least in the area of one of the longitudinal connectors (2, 3).