Hinged Container With Radial Holding for Opening-Angle Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivotable containers suffer from unintentional opening due to simultaneous release of connecting elements when a certain force is applied parallel to the pivot axis, leading to uncontrollable opening and potential loss of contents.
Innovation Solution
The connecting elements are designed with holding parts that move radially to the pivot axis for connection and are secured by a locking mechanism, preventing unintentional release by ensuring separate directional movements for connection and separation, thereby stabilizing the opening angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connecting elements are designed with single-direction release mechanism parallel to pivot axis, then assembly is simplified, but unintentional release occurs when force is applied parallel to pivot axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second connection direction by adding holding parts that move radially to the pivot axis, perpendicular to the original connecting means movement direction. This dimensional change creates orthogonal connection vectors, ensuring that force applied in one direction cannot simultaneously release both connections, thereby preventing unintentional opening while maintaining assembly simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If connecting means are moved parallel to pivot axis for connection, then connection is achieved, but simultaneous release of multiple connecting means causes uncontrollable opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection mechanism into two independent subsystems: connecting means that move parallel to the pivot axis and holding parts that move radially to the pivot axis. Each subsystem operates in a different directional plane, creating independent connection paths. This segmentation ensures that the opening angle remains stable because both connection types must be simultaneously released, which is prevented by the orthogonal movement directions.
3Ease of operation
If holding parts are added with radial movement to pivot axis, then one-handed assembly is enabled and security against accidental opening is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connecting means and holding parts into a single integrated connecting element structure. The connecting element simultaneously provides both the connecting means for parallel movement and the holding parts for radial movement, consolidating multiple functions into one component. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate components for each connection type.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a container (1) comprising at least two frame elements (2) circumferentially surrounding an inner receiving space for receiving objects, which frame elements are connected to one another on one side so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (X) from a closed state of the container (1) into an open state of the container (1), wherein a maximum opening angle of the frame elements (2) is limited by means of at least one foldable connecting element (6). The connecting element (6) has at least two connecting means (8) and at least two holding parts (10), and the frame elements (2) each have, on an inner wall on side sections (12) extending radially to the pivot axis (X), at least one corresponding counter-connecting means (14) for detachably connecting to the connecting means (8) of the connecting element (6) and at least one counter-holding part (16) for detachably connecting to the holding parts (10) of the connecting element (6).To connect the connecting means to the respective counter-connecting means (14), the connecting means (8) are movable parallel to the pivot axis (X) to the respective corresponding counter-connecting means (14) and to connect the holding part (10) to the respective counter-holding part (16), the holding parts (10) are movable radially to the pivot axis (X) to the respective corresponding counter-holding part (16).