Pivot-Open Container With Foldable Opening-Angle Limiter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivot-open containers suffer from assembly difficulties and unintentional release of connecting elements, leading to uncontrolled opening and potential loss or damage to contents.
Innovation Solution
A container design with foldable connecting elements featuring two connecting means and two holding parts, allowing for assembly with one hand and preventing unintentional release by using radial and parallel movements to secure the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If releasable connecting elements with press stud connections or hook-and-loop fasteners are used to delimit the maximum opening angle, then the container becomes more modular and adaptable, but the connecting elements can unintentionally be simultaneously released when exceeding a specific releasing force oriented parallel to the pivot axis, causing uncontrolled opening
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into multiple independent connecting means (first and second press stud connecting elements) that can be assembled separately and then combined. This segmentation allows the connection system to maintain modularity while distributing the mechanical load across multiple connection points, preventing unintentional release through combined action of individual connecting means
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple connecting means (press stud connections and hook-and-loop fasteners) are merged into a single integrated connecting element that combines both connection types. This merging creates a composite connection system where the press stud connections provide structural stability and the hook-and-loop fasteners provide additional securing, working together to prevent unintentional release while maintaining adaptability
2Strength
If multiple press stud connections or long hook-and-loop fastener strips are used to connect the connecting element to frame elements, then the holding force increases, but the assembly process becomes more complex and cannot be performed with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is segmented into discrete, modular connecting means that can be assembled in a sequential manner. The first press stud connecting element can be attached to the frame element, followed by the second press stud connecting element, with the hook-and-loop fastener serving as a simple final securing step. This segmentation enables one-handed assembly by breaking down the complex connection process into manageable stages
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element incorporates flexible, dynamic connection mechanisms where the press stud connections can be engaged and disengaged with simple pressing motions, and the hook-and-loop fastener provides a flexible final securing. This dynamic design allows the assembly to be performed with one hand while maintaining strong holding force through the coordinated action of multiple connection types
3Device complexity
If the connecting means and holding means are designed to be releasable in an identical separating direction parallel to the pivot axis, then the connection system is simple, but the connections can unintentionally be simultaneously released when exceeding a specific releasing force
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting means and holding means are designed with asymmetric release characteristics where the press stud connecting elements require force in one direction (parallel to pivot axis) while the hook-and-loop fastener requires force in a different direction or with different magnitude. This asymmetry in release requirements prevents unintentional simultaneous release of all connection types when a single force is applied, while maintaining overall system simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A container having at least two frame elements circumferentially surrounding an internal receptacle space for receiving objects that are connected to one another and pivotable about pivot axis X from a closed to open state, wherein a maximum opening angle of the frame elements is delimited by means of at least one foldable connecting element that has at least two connecting means and holding parts. Each frame element has on an internal wall, on lateral portions extending radially to the pivot axis, a mating connecting means releasably connecting to the connecting means, and a mating holding part releasably connecting to the holding parts. The connecting means are movable parallel to the pivot axis in order to connect to the mating connecting means. The holding parts are movable radially to the pivot axis in order to connect to the mating holding parts.