Modular Collapsible Container Folding Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible containers require specialized equipment for folding and unfolding, limiting their use in transporting goods due to the need for heavy machinery and inability to transport goods after folding.
Innovation Solution
A modular-segment collapsible container design that allows folding and unfolding using standard components like clamps, bolts, and articulated tension members, enabling the container to be folded without specialized equipment and allowing for efficient use of space by reducing height to 20% or less, with modules that can be rearranged for optimal cargo loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If collapsible containers use specialized equipment for folding and unfolding, then the folding mechanism can be implemented, but the complexity of operation increases and requires heavy machinery
Solution Approach 1:
The container's folding and unfolding is achieved through its own structural mechanisms (hinges, locking means, articulated tension members) rather than external specialized equipment. The container essentially folds itself using integrated mechanical elements that convert the lifting motion into the folding action, eliminating the need for external folding machinery
Solution Approach 2:
Standard equipment like forklifts and cranes, originally designed for general material handling, can now perform the specialized function of folding and unfolding containers. The universal lifting capability of these standard machines is leveraged to achieve the specific folding function through the container's mechanical design
2Volume of moving object
If the container is folded to reduce space occupation, then the volume efficiency improves, but the container cannot be used for transporting goods after folding
Solution Approach 1:
The container transitions between two stable states: unfolded for cargo transport and folded for space-efficient storage. The dynamic capability to switch between these states allows the container to optimize its function based on whether it needs to carry goods or be stored/transported empty, resolving the contradiction between volume efficiency and cargo transport capability
3Strength
If the container structure is made rigid for strength, then the structural integrity improves, but the folding capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure is divided into modular segments (side walls, end walls, roof) connected by hinges and locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its structural strength while enabling relative movement between components during folding. The modular design preserves integrity when unfolded while facilitating folding when locked into place
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
Enables easy folding and unfolding with standard equipment, reducing space occupation and allowing for efficient cargo loading, as the container can be folded to occupy minimal height, thereby utilizing available space for goods transport without the need for specialized machinery.
Implementation Method 1
The first side wall is additionally connected to the roof with use of connecting means such as, for example, articulated tension members made of bars or lines
Implementation Method 2
when the collapsible module is unfolded, it is temporary fastened to the floor with a locking means
Implementation Method 3
the first side wall is connected tiltably with its bottom edge to the floor, e.g. with use of hinges
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The collapsible container (1) contains a door part (2), a rear part (3) and a central part (4). The central part (4) comprises at least one collapsible module (5), which comprises a floor (6), a roof (7) and two side walls (8, 9). The first side wall (8) is connected tiltably with its bottom edge (10) to the floor (6), and it is connected detachably to the roof (7) with use of a locking means (11), and the second side wall (9) is connected with its top edge (12) tiltably to the roof (7) and it is supported slidably with its bottom edge (13) on the floor (6), and in unfolded position of the collapsible module (5) it is attached detachably to the floor (6) with use of a locking means (11'). The first side wall (8) is additionally fastened to the roof (7) with use of a connecting means (14) in such a way that when the locking means (11, 11') are unlocked, the roof (7) can be lowered by holding through the connecting means (14) the first side wall (8) which is tilted towards the second side wall (9) and folded towards the floor (6), and the second side wall (9) is also tilted and folded towards the bottom (6). In the folded position at least one collapsible module (5) can be put into the rear part (3) closed subsequently directly by the door part (2).