Collapsible Dog Transport Box With Self-Locking Foldable Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible animal transport boxes for vehicles are heavy, expensive, and cumbersome to fold and unfold, requiring significant space when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible animal transport box design featuring pivotably connected frame elements with an operating clamping device that locks the frame elements in position, allowing for easy folding and unfolding with one hand, and incorporating a pulling device and pivotable support elements for simplified operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If robust metal profiles are used to construct the animal transport box, then the structural strength is improved, but the weight increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple aluminum profile segments (front wall, rear wall, side walls, crossbars) that can be individually folded and connected. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain strength while reducing overall weight compared to a solid metal construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible cover material stretched over the aluminum profile frame to enclose the transport box. This flexible shell approach replaces heavy rigid panels, significantly reducing weight while maintaining structural integrity and containment function
2Stability of the object's composition
If numerous metal profiles are used for construction, then the structural stability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aluminum profiles serve multiple functions: they form the structural frame, provide folding hinges through their geometry, and support the flexible cover. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates dynamic folding mechanisms that allow the structure to transform between open and closed states. The aluminum profiles are designed with hinge capabilities that enable movement while maintaining structural stability in both configurations, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms
3Strength
If the main frame is made non-folding, then the structural integrity is improved, but the storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into foldable sections (front wall, rear wall, side walls) connected by hinges. This allows the structure to collapse into a compact form for storage while maintaining structural integrity during use, directly addressing the contradiction between strength and storage space
Solution Approach 2:
When folded, the side walls and crossbars nest within the space occupied by the base and frame structure. The flexible cover collapses along with the frame, allowing the entire transport box to be stored in a compact configuration that minimizes storage space while maintaining full structural integrity when deployed
4Stability of the object's composition
If the folding mechanism requires lifting against gravity, then the structural stability during folding is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism is designed to utilize gravity rather than fight against it. The frame geometry and hinge placement create a natural folding path where components fold downward under their own weight, eliminating the need to lift parts against gravity while maintaining structural stability throughout the folding process
5Reliability
If multiple manual steps are required for folding, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transport box incorporates self-locking mechanisms that automatically engage when the frame reaches its folded or unfolded position. The aluminum profile geometry and hinge design create automatic locking without requiring manual intervention, ensuring reliable locking while greatly simplifying operation to a single pulling motion
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
The design results in a lightweight, easy-to-use transport box that can be conveniently stored in a compact form and quickly set up, minimizing space requirements and ensuring safe, efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
The animal transport box is designed to be foldable vertically by means of hinges on the transverse connecting rods, which, for folding, allow the bottom to be raised by pivoting upwards on the front and rear lower crossbars
Implementation Method 2
an operating clamping device acting on the first frame element and the second frame element is provided, which - coupled to the operation of the first frame element and/or the second frame element - causes the first frame element and the second frame element to be locked in a pivoted clamping position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a collapsible animal transport box (10) comprising a base element (12), a first frame element (14) pivotably connected to the base element, and a second frame element (16) pivotably connected to the base element (12), wherein the first frame element (14) and the second frame element (16) are pivotably arranged on opposite sides of the base element (12), wherein a cover (18) is also provided which can be stretched open by the first frame element (14) and by the second frame element (16) and can be stretched open by pivoting open the first frame element (14) and the second frame element (16) such that a cavity for receiving an animal to be transported is formed between the frame elements (14, 16). At least one operating clamping means (20) is provided which acts on the first frame element (14) and the second frame element (16) and, linked to the operation of the first frame element (14) and/or the second frame element (16), causes the first frame element (14) and the second frame element (16) to be locked in a pivoted-open clamping position.