Convertible Storage Mat With Inward-Folding Walls for Small Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices and activity mats lack the combination of features that make them easily convertible, packageable, stackable, and able to capture numerous small articles without obstruction during conversion, leading to frustration in cleanup processes, especially for activities involving hundreds of small pieces.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible and transportable storage container that converts into an activity mat and back into a storage container, featuring wall portions connected to a base via flexible webbing and stretchable joints, with securing means to hold the walls upright, and optional stiffening wires and a lid for secure storage, allowing articles to be automatically captured as the mat forms the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If articles are stored in containers and dumped out for use, then accessibility to articles is improved, but cleanup becomes time-consuming and frustrating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage container and activity mat into a single convertible device. The container walls can be unfolded to form an activity mat surface, and when folded back, they automatically capture and contain the articles, eliminating the need for separate pickup and storage operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The container features dynamic, movable walls that can transition between upright (storage) and folded (activity mat) positions. This dynamic structure allows the device to adapt its configuration based on whether articles need to be accessed or stored, making the cleanup process automatic and efficient.
2Ease of operation
If the device is made collapsible for portability, then transportability is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into modular wall sections that can be independently folded and collapsed. Each wall portion is connected through flexible joints, allowing the structure to be segmented for compact storage while maintaining overall structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The container walls utilize flexible materials and thin film structures that can bend and fold without breaking. This flexibility enables the container to collapse into a compact form for portability while still providing sufficient structural stability when in use.
3Quantity of substance
If the container captures numerous small articles, then storage capacity is improved, but conversion process becomes obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The container automatically captures and contains articles through its own structural transformation. When the walls are folded to create the activity mat, the flexible webbing and inward bias automatically guide articles toward the center, and when folded back, the walls naturally enclose the articles without requiring manual intervention.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the device is made convertible between configurations, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The convertible device is constructed from modular wall sections connected by standardized flexible joints. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components that can be easily assembled and disassembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the device's versatile convertibility.
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
The solution provides a safe, easy-to-use device that maintains the same footprint in all configurations, ensuring articles are captured during conversion, reducing cleanup frustration and enhancing usability for various activities and age groups.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible webbing is inwardly biased such that when the wall portions are urged from the second configuration to the first configuration, the flexible webbing folds toward the interior of the convertible device
Implementation Method 2
a stretchable or flexible joint connected between the base portion and some of the wall portions such that the wall portions are foldable into a third configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible device that converts between an activity mat and a storage container to capture and store numerous articles. Upon reclosing the activity mat, the articles are recaptured into the storage container. The device includes walls and a base, webbing connected between each adjacent wall pair, and a joint connected between the base and walls so that they are foldable into a third configuration wherein the footprint of the folded device is roughly the size of the base. In the third configuration, the walls are stacked relative to the base. The convertible device may further include two zippers for releasably holding the walls in a rigid and upright position in the first configuration. The webbing can be inwardly biased such that when the walls are urged from the second to the first configuration, the webbing folds toward the interior of the convertible device.