Folding Storage Compartment With Articulating Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage compartments in vehicles do not efficiently utilize space within the build box of additive manufacturing devices, as they are typically rigid and do not adapt to minimize occupied volume.
Innovation Solution
A storage compartment design featuring folding panels with articulating joints that allow the interior vessel to be operable between retracted and deployed conditions, optimizing space usage by pivoting and folding to accommodate different positions within the build box dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid panels are used for storage compartment construction, then structural strength is improved, but space utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage compartment is divided into multiple rigid panels (front panel, rear panel, side panels, bottom panel) that are interconnected through articulating joints. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain strength through rigid components while enabling volume reduction through relative movement between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage compartment transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure by incorporating articulating joints between panels. These joints enable the panels to pivot and fold, allowing the compartment to change its occupied volume from an expanded storage configuration to a collapsed transport configuration while maintaining structural integrity through the rigid panel components.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed-volume storage compartments are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different space requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage compartment employs articulating joints that enable dynamic adjustment between expanded and collapsed states, providing adaptability to different space requirements while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through standardized panel and joint components.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage compartment serves multiple functions: it provides fixed-volume storage when expanded and compact transport when collapsed. The same structure adapts to different spatial requirements without requiring multiple specialized components, achieving versatility through the collapsible mechanism while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Productivity
If multiple storage compartments are produced in a single build box, then productivity is improved, but the complexity of coordinating folding mechanisms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each storage compartment is segmented into standardized panels with identical articulating joint designs. This modular segmentation allows multiple compartments to be manufactured simultaneously in a single build box using the same repeating components, improving productivity while keeping individual folding mechanisms relatively simple through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple storage compartments are combined in a single additive manufacturing build box, utilizing the same panel and joint geometry for each unit. This merging approach enables batch production that improves productivity while the repetitive nature of the folding mechanisms across multiple units reduces overall system complexity through component uniformity.
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 folding design enables efficient use of space in additive manufacturing, allowing for the storage compartment to occupy less volume in the retracted condition while expanding as needed, facilitating the production of multiple compartments within a single build box.
Implementation Method 1
A first side panel includes first and second portions. The first portion of the first side panel is pivotally coupled to the inner surface of the front panel. The second portion of the first side panel is pivotally coupled to the first portion of the first side panel.
Implementation Method 2
The first and second side panels are operable between inwardly folded and extended positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage compartment includes, front and rear panels with first and second side panels operably coupled between the front and rear panels. Each side panel includes first and second portions interconnected along an articulating joint for movement between folded and extended positions. A bottom panel includes first and second portions interconnected along an articulating joint, for movement between folded and extended positions. The front, rear and bottom panels, and the first and second side panels are made using an additive manufacturing process to create a storage compartment that is fully integrated. The panels further cooperate to define an interior vessel that is operable between deployed and retracted conditions. In the retracted condition, the interior vessel provides for a storage compartment with a minimized profile, such that multiple storage compartments can be additively manufactured in a single build box if an additive manufacturing device.