Foldable Storage Container Nesting Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage containers stacked in the folded-down or upright position are prone to relative displacement, leading to instability and a high risk of tipping over during transport, which can cause damage to the containers and their contents.
Innovation Solution
The storage container features hingedly connected side walls that can be folded down, with standing parts and profiles at the bottom construction to facilitate nesting and support for additional containers, preventing relative displacement and enhancing stability, and includes segments that allow for compact folding and increased strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If storage containers are stacked in folded-down or upright position, then compact storage and ease of operation are improved, but stability and resistance to displacement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting features including uprights extending from the base and recesses in the side walls that allow containers to nest within each other when stacked. The folding side walls create a nested configuration where the upper container fits into the lower container's structural features, providing stability while maintaining compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical dimension elements (uprights extending upward from the base) and horizontal dimension elements (recesses and protrusions on side walls) to create multi-dimensional interlocking. This prevents displacement in multiple directions simultaneously, solving the stability problem while preserving the compact folded-down configuration.
2Volume of moving object
If side walls are folded down onto the bottom construction, then compact form for storage is improved, but structural strength and protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls are divided into multiple segments that can fold relative to each other. This segmentation allows the container to collapse into a compact form while the segmented structure itself provides structural reinforcement through the multiple hinge connections and joints between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The container employs composite structural elements combining rigid base construction with flexible folding side walls. The base construction includes reinforcing uprights and the side walls include internal support segments, creating a composite structure that maintains strength in both folded and unfolded states.
3Stability of the object's composition
If standing parts and profiles are added to prevent displacement, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The uprights and side wall structures serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the container body, create nesting features for stacked containers, and prevent displacement during transport. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate stabilization components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the stabilization features (uprights and recesses) with the existing structural elements of the container (side walls and base). Rather than adding separate stabilization components, the structural elements themselves are designed to provide both support and anti-displacement functionality, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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
This design enables a stable stack of storage containers in both upright and folded-down positions, significantly reducing the risk of tipping and damage during transport, making it suitable for use in loading spaces like semitrailers.
Implementation Method 1
side walls are hingedly connected to the bottom construction, wherein the side walls can be folded down onto the bottom construction
Implementation Method 2
the storage container has standing parts which extend from the bottom construction for the purpose, in the folded-down position of the side walls, of nesting between the standing parts an underside of a further storage container placed on the storage container
Implementation Method 3
the standing parts comprise profiles with a right-angled progression, wherein the profiles are provided at the position of corner points of the bottom construction. The profiles also increase the strength of the storage container.
Implementation Method 4
the storage container is provided with standing elements extending from a top side of at least two side walls for the purpose, in the standing position of the side walls, of nesting between the standing elements an underside of a further storage container placed on the storage container. Movement of the further storage container in lateral direction is prevented by the standing elements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Storage container (1), comprising a bottom construction (6) and standing side walls (2,3,4,5). The side walls (2,3,4,5) are hingedly connected to the bottom construction (6). The side walls (2,3,4,5) can be folded down onto the bottom construction (6). At least one side wall (3,5) is divided into successive segments (10,11 ;12,13), wherein successive segments (10,11,12,13) are arranged hingedly relative to each other over substantially a whole width of the at least one side wall (3,5). A plurality of storage containers (1) can be stacked onto each other in a stable stack in upright position of the side walls (2,3,4,5) and/or in folded-down position of the side walls (2,3,4,5).