Folding Container With Constant-Height Rim for Torsional Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible containers face challenges in achieving minimal volume in the folded transport position while maintaining sufficient stability, particularly due to low torsional rigidity and potential damage during transport.
Innovation Solution
The collapsible container design features a closed, fully circumferential base rim with constant height, spaced pivot axes for side walls, and a reinforcement matrix with alternating projections and recesses to enhance torsional rigidity and stability without additional material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the container is folded to minimize volume for transport, then the volume is reduced, but the torsional rigidity decreases and the container becomes vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The base rim is pre-formed with a constant height and closed circumferential structure before the folding operation. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that when the container is folded, the base rim is already positioned to provide optimal torsional support, preventing deformation during the folding and transport process while maintaining minimal volume
Solution Approach 2:
The base rim is designed with a constant height parameter around its entire circumference, creating a uniform geometric structure. This parameter consistency ensures even distribution of torsional stresses during folding and transport, maintaining structural integrity while achieving compact volume. The constant height transforms the base from a flat plate to a three-dimensional rigid structure
2Stability of the object's composition
If the base plate has a closed circumferential rim to increase torsional rigidity, then the stability improves, but the volume in folded position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base rim height is carefully optimized to provide sufficient torsional rigidity while minimizing vertical dimension. By adjusting this critical parameter, the design achieves the minimum height necessary for structural stability without adding excessive volume, allowing compact folding while maintaining stability during transport
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing rim thickness (horizontal dimension) to improve stability, the solution uses vertical dimension by creating a raised circumferential rim structure. This dimensional approach provides torsional rigidity through height rather than width, enabling the container to fold flatter while maintaining structural integrity
3Volume of moving object
If the side walls are completely inside the base plate when folded, then the volume is minimized, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls are segmented into distinct components that can be independently folded and positioned. This segmentation allows each side wall to be folded flat against the base plate without interfering with others, achieving complete nesting within the base plate dimensions. The segmented structure simplifies the folding mechanism while minimizing final volume
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls are designed to nest completely within the boundary defined by the base plate when folded. Each side wall folds flat and positions itself within the rectangular footprint of the base plate, similar to nested dolls. This nesting arrangement minimizes the external dimensions of the folded container while maintaining structural integrity through the base rim
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 achieves minimal volume in the folded transport position with enhanced stability, allowing for efficient stacking and transport without damage, while also enabling easy folding and unfolding for use.
Implementation Method 1
a closed, fully circumferential and preferably constant height bottom edge... contributes to an increase in the torsional rigidity of the base and the collapsible container as a whole
Implementation Method 2
side walls pivotally attached to the base plate, which can be pivoted between a folded transport position and an upright usable position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a collapsible container (2) with a base plate (4) and side walls (6, 8) pivotally hinged to the base plate (4), which are pivotable between a folded transport position and an erect operating position, wherein the base plate (4) has a closed, fully circumferential and constant height bottom edge (14) and the side walls (6, 8) are located completely inside and completely below the bottom edge (14) in the folded transport position.