Sliding Wall Element for Foldable Container Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable containers face challenges in accessibility and stability, particularly on upper shelf levels, where visibility and ease of access are compromised, leading to reduced productivity and increased shelf space requirements, and existing solutions either hide light units or risk opening during transport.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sliding wall element that can assume two positions, allowing for unhindered access and preventing collapse, featuring a spring-loaded actuator that deflects vertically to horizontally unlock side walls, and a flexible grip pocket with a wedge-shaped overhang for secure closure, along with guide channels and seal openings for stability and theft protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the end wall is swiveled away or folded up to the front to create access opening, then access to container interior is improved, but the end wall may hide light units or open during transport causing container movement
Solution Approach 1:
The end wall is divided into a fixed portion and a movable sliding wall element. The sliding wall element can be moved independently to open the access opening while the fixed portion remains stable and integrated into the container structure, preventing unintended opening during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
A sliding wall element acts as an intermediary between the access opening requirement and the stability requirement. This intermediate component provides controlled access when needed while maintaining overall wall stability during transport through its guided movement mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If containers are distributed over middle to lower shelf levels to improve visibility, then accessibility is improved, but distances for operator increase and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding wall element transforms the static end wall into a dynamic structure that can adapt its position. When slid open, it provides full access to upper shelf containers, enabling operators to work efficiently at upper levels without compromising visibility or increasing travel distances.
3Ease of operation
If a one-handed unlocking mechanism is provided, then ease of operation is improved, but the locking means may break or be damaged reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded actuator provides beforehand cushioning by automatically returning to its locking position after unlocking operation. The spring mechanism absorbs wear and minor damages, ensuring the locking means remains functional even after repeated use or minor impacts during handling.
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
Ensures clear visibility and easy access to contents on upper shelves, prevents undesired collapse, and facilitates safe transport by maintaining the container's structural integrity and security, while allowing for efficient folding and reassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded actuator, which is spring-loaded in recesses of reinforcing ribs arranged and guided on the outer surfaces of the end walls, with the actuator being assigned movement deflection means at its two outer ends
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for unlocking swing-action side walls (2 to 5) which are hinged on the base (6) of boxes and/or containers (1), of which the two opposite end walls (4, 5) can be locked to the two adjacent side walls (2, 3) and unlocking takes place by virtue of a lifting movement of a bracket-like actuator (13), which interacts with a movement-deflecting means (16, 17), and wherein unlocking crosspieces (19) act on spring-tongue-like locking means (10) of the side walls (4, 5), these locking means being latched into the end walls (2, 3), and force them out of their latching seat, in which they clamp the end walls (2, 3). According to the invention, the actuator (13) is arranged in a sliding wall element (26) which can be displaced vertically parallel to the end wall (4, 5) in an upwardly open wall cutout of the end wall (4, 5), in lateral guides (25a, 25b) of the wall cutout, these guides continuing the end wall (4, 5), into a position in which it closes the wall cutout or releases the same, and wherein, during displacement movements of the sliding wall element (26), the movement-deflecting means (17, 18, 19), which interact with the ends of the actuator (13), remain in their installation position in the end wall (4, 5) laterally adjacent to the wall cutout.