Stacking Frame Double-Jointed Hinge Prevents Automatic Unfolding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attachment frames for transport boxes lack dimensional stability when unfolded and tend to automatically unfold due to their weight, making them cumbersome to handle and store.

Innovation Solution

An attachment frame with a double-jointed hinge mechanism and cam-locking system, featuring transverse and longitudinal ribs, and a dense grid of longitudinal and transverse ribs for enhanced stability, which prevents automatic unfolding and maintains structural integrity in both unfolded and folded states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple hinge connection is used for the attachment frame, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but dimensional stability deteriorates and bulging occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehinge connection structureVSAvoiddimensional stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge connection is divided into two separate joints: a first hinge joint connecting the longitudinal side to one transverse side, and a second hinge joint connecting the longitudinal side to the other transverse side. This segmentation allows each joint to be optimized independently for stability while maintaining overall structural integrity and preventing bulging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the attachment frame is designed to be foldable, then storage efficiency is improved, but automatic unfolding occurs due to weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidfolded state stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment frame incorporates a preliminary anti-unfolding mechanism through its dual hinge joint design and geometric configuration. The first and second hinge joints are arranged to create inherent stability that counteracts the automatic unfolding tendency caused by the frame's own weight, preventing the frame from accidentally opening during storage or handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Manufacturing precision

If corner projections are used to support end wall parts, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the projections are exposed and can be broken off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorner positioning accuracyVSAvoidprojection durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The corner projections are merged with the longitudinal sides to form an integrated corner element. This combining of the projection function with the main structural component eliminates the exposed protruding elements that were prone to breaking, while maintaining the precise positioning and support function for the end wall parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2500290B1Stacking frame for a transport crate or a palette
Publication Date: 2015.07.15 GEORG UTZ HOLDING AG
  • EP2500290B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2500290B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2500290B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The supporting frames (1) has two longitudinal sides (2,3) and two collapsible transverse sides (5,6) provided with hinges. An angle piece is integrally formed on transverse or longitudinal side, where its free end is formed with the free end of one of the adjacent longitudinal or transverse side of a hinge. The hinge has a locking position in an unfolded and in the folded state, in which the longitudinal side and the adjoining transverse side are latched.