Foldable Crate Cam Shaft Hinge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable crates face challenges in achieving low stacking height, minimal material usage for weight reduction, smooth interiors for easy cleaning, stability during loading and transport, and preventing automatic folding of outer walls, while maintaining robustness and ease of disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A foldable crate design featuring a special hinge arrangement with a cam and shaft mechanism that allows easy detachment of outer walls from the base, creating a non-positive connection only when unfolded, and a locking mechanism with a spring-loaded latching system for stability and emergency release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If outer walls are made detachable for easy cleaning and transport, then ease of operation is improved, but stability and load-bearing capacity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connection transitions from a static permanent joint to a dynamic reversible joint. The outer wall can be easily detached by folding it downward, transforming the connection state between locked and detached based on operational needs, thus achieving both stability during use and ease of disassembly for cleaning or transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism changes the positional parameter of the outer wall between two states: upright (locked) and folded down (detached). This parameter change allows the same connection structure to provide both stability when upright and ease of removal when folded, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
2Weight of moving object
If material is minimized for weight reduction, then weight of moving object is improved, but strength and robustness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The crate utilizes thin-walled plastic construction with integrated hinge mechanisms that provide sufficient structural strength without requiring thick or heavy materials. The flexible yet durable plastic material allows the crate to maintain robustness while minimizing weight for efficient transport.
3Ease of operation
If smooth surfaces are used for easy cleaning, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The crate interior features smooth surfaces in areas requiring cleaning (food contact surfaces) while the hinge mechanisms and connection points maintain structural stability. Different parts of the crate have different surface qualities optimized for their specific functions: smoothness for cleaning and structural elements for stability.
4Volume of moving object
If stacking height is reduced for efficient transport, then volume of stationary object is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The crate employs dynamic folding mechanisms that allow rapid transformation between compact stacked configuration (low height) and expanded operational configuration (full height). This dynamic capability enables efficient space utilization during transport while maintaining ease of handling during use.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a foldable box comprising a base (2) having an rigid outer side area (18) which extends from the base (2) upwardly in the vertical direction (8), in addition to an outer side (6b) comprising a shaft (50) which is arranged in the base area of the outer side (6b). Said foldable box also comprises a guide opening (54) in the rigid outer side area (18) comprising a shaft (50), said guide opening (54) comprising an opening section (54a) which extends essentially in the vertical direction (8) and through which the shaft (50) can be guided out from and a lateral opening section (54b) which extends inwardly in the lateral direction (12) from an outer side of the rigid outer side area (18) in which the shaft (50) can be displaced essentially in the lateral direction (12). A cam (52) which is arranged in the base area of the outer side (6b) has a cam contour which is designed in such a manner that when mounting the outer wall (6b) in the position relative to a bearing surface device (76) arranged on the rigid outer wall area (18), the shaft (50) is inwardly displaced in the lateral opening section (54b).