Foldable Pallet Container Side Wall Hinge Groove
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible containers face challenges in maintaining stable side wall positioning on the floor during setup and storage, leading to difficulties in single-person assembly and risk of parts being lost during transport.
Innovation Solution
The container features a groove on its bottom edge for side wall insertion, with a slidably mounted hinge allowing the side walls to rest on each other when folded, and a catch mechanism for secure anchoring, along with a pivoting lid design that reduces space requirements during setup and collapse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If side walls are connected to the floor by a hinge that moves one side wall up from the floor and folds it onto the floor, then the container can be collapsed for storage, but the side walls may slip or become unstable during setup and transport
Solution Approach 1:
A groove is introduced as an intermediary element between the side wall and the floor. The groove receives the lower edge of the side wall and provides a stable guiding structure that prevents slipping while allowing the hinge to function for collapsing. This groove acts as a mediator that ensures stable connection without restricting the folding motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge is designed to be slidably mounted within the groove, allowing dynamic movement between two states: vertical position during setup and folded position for storage. The sliding mechanism enables the hinge to adapt its position while maintaining stable connection, resolving the contradiction between stability and collapsibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple connecting means are used to secure side walls to the floor, then stability is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The groove and hinge are merged into a single integrated connection mechanism. The groove provides both the guiding structure and the mounting surface for the hinge, eliminating the need for separate connecting elements. This merging reduces complexity while maintaining stable side wall attachment.
3Device complexity
If the hinge is fixed in position, then the structure is simpler, but the hinge cannot accommodate the movement required when side walls are folded onto the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is designed with sliding capability within the groove, transforming it from a fixed static connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. This allows the hinge to adapt its position automatically as the side wall moves between vertical and folded states, providing versatility without significant complexity increase.
Data Source
Figure 1~3(c)
Figure 4(a)~6(d)
Figure 7(a)~8
AI summary
The container has a base (2), and side walls that are foldable and connected with one another. One of the side walls is connected with the base at a bottom edge using a hinge (15). The hinge is movably supported at the base and arranged perpendicular to a plane of the base. The side walls are connected at perpendicular container edges and are fitted on the base in a foldable manner. The base consists of a plastic molded part and slots, where the slots are formed as feet and molded downward. Latching noses are arranged at a groove for contacting a recess of the sidewalls.