Removable Pull Bar for Portable Containers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Portable containers with pull bars often experience oscillation during transit due to the pendulum effect of human locomotion, leading to shaking and reduced internal capacity due to inflexible storage of the pull bar, which complicates manual intervention and storage efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible frame portable container system with a removable pull bar assembly and adjustable attachment member that allows for flexible attachment and detachment, reducing oscillation and increasing storage capacity by using additional wheels at the lower corners for stable movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the pull bar is permanently attached to the container, then the container provides continuous handling assistance, but the internal storage capacity is reduced due to inflexible storage requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling assistanceVSAvoidinternal storage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The pull bar attachment system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic selectively removable attachment. The attachment member includes a removable attachment portion that can be engaged or disengaged from the frame, allowing the pull bar to be attached when needed for handling and removed when storage capacity is prioritized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the pull bar is stored by sliding into the container body against side walls, then the pull bar is stored, but the internal capacity is reduced and storage location is inflexible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepull bar storageVSAvoidinternal capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment member is divided into separate components: a first attachment portion on the frame and a second attachment portion on the pull bar. This segmentation allows the pull bar to be detached and stored externally or in dedicated spaces without consuming internal container capacity, resolving the conflict between storage convenience and internal capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If additional manual intervention is used to prevent oscillation, then the container stability is improved, but the operator effort increases and is difficult to maintain over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer stabilityVSAvoidoperator effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The oscillation problem is addressed by extracting or removing the pull bar attachment entirely when not in use, rather than requiring continuous manual intervention to stabilize the container. The removable attachment allows the system to transition to a stable state without the pendulum effect when the pull bar is detached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS7896143B2Selectively removable pull bar for a portable container

Publication Date: 2011.03.01 MASCOT METROPOLITAN

AI summary

A portable container system includes a collapsible frame, a shell attached to the frame and defining a volume, wheels attached to the bottom of the frame, and a pull bar assembly comprising a removable attachment member that removably attaches the pull bar assembly to the frame. The removable attachment member is contractible so it disengages from the frame when contracted and it engages the frame when expanded.