Foldable Container Frame Hinge for Secure Collapsing Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable container technologies face issues with unauthorized access and dismantling, complex fastening mechanisms, and inefficient storage of empty containers, which compromise safety and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A foldable container frame with inaccessible hinged elements that require mechanical force for detachment, featuring a polygonal base and upper mount connected by columns with hinged members, including bushings and sliding blocks with guides and stoppers to ensure secure and quick assembly and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fastening mechanisms are used to secure longitudinal sidewall bands, then reliable mounting is achieved, but the fastening means becomes complicated and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container structure is divided into modular components (base structure, top structure, side covers) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The side covers are further segmented into lower and top sections that can be pivotally moved relative to each other, enabling simplified fastening mechanisms while maintaining mounting reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex external fastening mechanisms to secure the container, the invention uses internal pivotal connections and hinge arrangements that allow the structure to self-secure through its own geometry. The central hinge arrangement enables the top section frame to pivotally move relative to the lower section frame, creating a self-locking mechanism that simplifies the fastening system while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If simple fastening mechanisms are used for container assembly, then ease of assembly is improved, but unauthorized access and dismantling become possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidsecurity against unauthorized access
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The container employs dynamic pivotal connections and hinge arrangements that allow for easy assembly and disassembly through controlled movement. The lower section frame and top section frame are connected via pivotal joints that enable smooth assembly operations while maintaining security through the geometric interlocking of the structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinged member is nested within the column structure, with the hinge pin positioned inside the column's hollow section. This nesting arrangement protects the critical hinge components from unauthorized access while maintaining ease of assembly through the integrated design. The hinge pin is accessible only through the open end of the column during assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Volume of moving object

If foldable container design is implemented, then storage space requirement is reduced, but complex hinge arrangements and fastening mechanisms are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidhinge and fastening complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is segmented into collapsible sections (lower section frame, top section frame, side covers) that can be pivotally moved relative to each other. This segmentation enables the container to collapse into a compact configuration for storage while using relatively simple pivotal connections rather than complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pivotal connections and hinge arrangements serve multiple functions: they enable easy assembly and disassembly, allow the container to collapse for compact storage, and provide structural support. The central hinge arrangement simultaneously facilitates the pivotal movement of the top section frame and maintains the structural integrity of the container during both expanded and collapsed states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If fastening means are made accessible for easy assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but safety against unauthorized access deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening accessibilityVSAvoidunauthorized access risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge pin and other critical fastening components are nested within the hollow sections of the columns. This nesting protects the fastening means from unauthorized access while maintaining ease of operation during legitimate assembly. The hinge pin can be accessed through the open end of the column during assembly but is protected when the container is closed and in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3687926B1Foldable frame for containers and hinged member therefor
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 IPGO EUROPE KFT
  • EP3687926B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3687926B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3687926B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A foldable frame (1) for containers having a polygonal base mount (2) made of studs (45, 56, 67, 74), and upper mount (3) parallel to the base mount (2) made of studs (4a5, 5a6, 6a7, 7a4 ) and said mounts (2, 3) are connected together by means of columns (A, B, C, D) of equal length, and the columns (A, B, C, D) are formed of at least two sections of the same length (S1, S2) and the adjacent sections (S1, S2) are joined together by a hinged member (20, 200), the hinged member (20, 200) contains a first bushing (23, 223) connected to a slider (22, 222) movably disposed in the cavity of the first section (S1), a second bushing (21, 221) having common axle (t) with the first bushing (23, 223) and secured to the locking member (25, 225) arranged in the inner cavity of the adjacent second section (S2), and a hinge pin (24, 224) provided in the bushings (21, 23, 221, 223).