Folding Box With Integrated Frame Handle For Stable Pivoting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Collapsible boxes are difficult to handle and fold due to the need to pivot side walls while carrying them, which requires setting them down and applying uneven force to overcome resistance, leading to instability and difficulty in maintaining the non-use position.

Innovation Solution

The handle sections are integrated into the frame, allowing for easy grasping and rotation, providing a stable support and precise force application, enabling secure pivoting and folding without needing to set the box down, and featuring a convex shape and engagement holes for better grip and latching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the box is carried on the frame with both hands, then the box can be transported stably, but the user does not have a free hand to pivot the side walls into the non-use position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability during transportVSAvoidease of pivoting side walls
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The side wall is divided into two functional parts: a pivotable section that can rotate about the axis of rotation, and a fixed section that remains stationary. This segmentation allows the pivotable section to be manipulated independently for collapsing the box, while the fixed section maintains structural stability during transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A pivotable connection mechanism serves as an intermediary between the fixed side wall and the collapsible structure. This mechanism includes a pivotable section with a handle that can be grasped and rotated to overcome the latching lugs, enabling controlled pivoting without requiring the entire box to be set down.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If latching lugs are used to stabilize the box, then the side walls are securely fixed in the use position, but increased force is required to overcome the resistance when pivoting the side walls into the non-use position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability through latchingVSAvoidforce required to pivot side walls
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The latching mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocking state through rotational movement. The pivotable section rotates about the axis of rotation, dynamically overcoming the latching lugs' resistance through controlled motion rather than static force application. This allows the side wall to be securely latched during use but easily released when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handle section features a convex outer shape that facilitates grip and rotational motion. The curved geometry of the handle allows the user's hand to apply torque effectively, converting linear grip force into rotational motion to overcome the latching lugs with reduced effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of operation

If the pivotable side walls are pivoted into the non-use position, then the collapsible side walls can be folded together, but the pivoted side walls tend to pivot back under gravity into the use position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to collapse side wallsVSAvoidinstability of pivoted position
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable section is pre-configured with a handle that extends beyond the frame, allowing the user to maintain continuous control over the pivoted position. By grasping the handle, the user can counteract gravitational forces and hold the side wall in the non-use position without requiring additional support structures or active stabilization mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2223860B1Folding box
Publication Date: 2011.09.07 OKT KUNST
  • EP2223860B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2223860B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The box has a base plate and two side walls (4), which are pivoted around a rotation axis and lie on opposite lying sides. Other two side walls are arranged on the opposite lying sides in a combined manner. Frames (10) connect the four side walls together at upper ends of the side walls. The former side walls comprise a grip section (12) at the upper ends and are rotated around the rotation axis by the grip section. The grip section is arranged in a height of the frame and partially surrounds a frame section (16), which is formed as a pivoting axis (18).