Origami Waterproof Case with Hinged Flexible Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible containers are not watertight, making them unsuitable for storing materials that require protection from water.
Innovation Solution
A foldable, waterproof case design featuring interconnected walls and a lid with watertight hinges and latches, allowing the case to transition between expanded and collapsed positions while maintaining a watertight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the case is designed to be collapsible for efficient storage, then the storage efficiency is improved, but the watertightness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible waterproof membranes and films as the wall materials that can bend and fold while maintaining their water-blocking properties. These flexible waterproof materials allow the case to collapse and expand without compromising the watertight seal, directly resolving the contradiction between collapsibility and watertightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces waterproof hinges as intermediary components that connect the flexible walls while maintaining the watertight barrier. These hinges are specifically designed to rotate and fold without creating gaps or pathways for water penetration, enabling the case to transition between expanded and collapsed states while preserving water protection.
2Volume of moving object
If the case is made collapsible to reduce storage space, then the storage space efficiency is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into multiple flexible wall panels connected by hinges, allowing each segment to fold independently. This segmentation enables the case to collapse into a compact form while using simple, repeatable hinge connections rather than complex mechanical structures, thus reducing overall structural complexity while achieving space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The case transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can change its configuration. The flexible walls and hinges enable the case to adapt between expanded and collapsed states through simple rotational movements, avoiding the need for complex locking mechanisms or multiple discrete components.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable, waterproof case includes a first wall and a second wall coupled to the first wall. The first and second walls at least partially define a cavity within the case. A lid is coupled to the second wall and is configured to selectively cover the cavity. A hinge is disposed between the first wall and the second wall. The first wall is rotatable relative to the second wall between a first, expanded position of the case and a second, collapsed position of the case. In the first position, the cavity includes a first volume and in the second position, the cavity includes a second volume that is less than the first volume. The hinge provides a waterproof connection between the first and second walls in the first position and in the second position.