Foldable Storage Container Partition Structural Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage containers occupy significant space when not in use and lack efficient collapsible features to reduce storage volume.
Innovation Solution
A foldable and collapsible storage container design featuring a bottom wall, parallel side walls with fold locations, and a removable storage volume partition that inhibits unintended folding, allowing the container to transition from a storage configuration to a collapsed configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the container is made rigid to maintain structural integrity during use, then the strength and stability are improved, but the storage space occupied when not in use increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The container walls are divided into multiple panels that can be folded relative to each other. The side walls include fold locations that allow them to be segmented into upright and folded positions, enabling the container to collapse into a compact flat profile for storage while maintaining rigidity when assembled for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The container transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure. The side walls are designed to be movable between upright and folded configurations through fold locations, allowing the container to adapt its volume based on whether it is in use or storage mode.
2Volume of stationary object
If the container is made collapsible to reduce storage space, then the volume occupied when not in use is reduced, but the structural integrity and stability during use may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into a base and multiple side wall panels that can be independently positioned. The partition walls are also segmented and can be selectively engaged to provide structural support when needed, allowing the container to maintain stability during use while collapsing to a compact form for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
Partition walls serve as intermediary elements that engage with the side walls to provide structural support and inhibit unintended folding during use. These partition walls can be selectively positioned to reinforce the container's stability when assembled, while allowing the container to collapse when the partitions are removed or disengaged.
3Ease of operation
If fold locations are added to side walls to enable collapsing, then the ease of storage is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional fold locations and partition mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The container walls are divided into panels connected at fold locations, creating a segmented structure that can be easily collapsed. The partition walls are also segmented and can be selectively engaged, providing a relatively simple mechanism for enabling collapse while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
4Adaptability or versatility
If partition walls are used to organize items within the container, then the organization capability is improved, but the space occupied when not in use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition walls are designed as separate, removable elements that can be selectively engaged within the container. When the container is collapsed for storage, the partition walls can be removed or disengaged, allowing the entire structure including partitions to be compacted into a flat profile, thus reducing storage space while maintaining organization capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls are designed to be dynamically engageable and disengageable from the side walls. This allows the container to transition between an organized state with partitions engaged during use and a compact collapsed state with partitions disengaged for storage, providing adaptability between different functional requirements.
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 effectively reduces the occupied space by allowing the container to collapse into a flat profile, maintaining structural integrity and organization during use and storage.
Implementation Method 1
The foldable storage partition may include a partition bottom hingedly connected to the partition wall
Implementation Method 2
The third and fourth side walls each may include a fold location extending from the bottom edge to the top edge of the third and fourth side walls
Implementation Method 3
The partition wall may engage the third side wall and the fourth side wall with the storage container in the storage configuration to inhibit folding of the third side wall and the fourth side wall
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable and collapsible storage container with a bottom wall, and two pairs of parallel side walls. The bottom wall, first pair of side walls and second pair of side walls define a storage volume. A foldable storage volume partition may include a partition wall that extends between the third side wall and the fourth side wall and supports the third side wall and the fourth side wall in an upright position. The foldable storage partition may include a partition bottom hingedly connected to the partition wall that faces the bottom wall. The third and fourth side walls each may include fold locations that divide the third and fourth side walls into a first part and a second part. The partition may engage the third and fourth side walls to inhibit folding of the third and fourth side walls.