Telescopic Produce Keeper for Space-Saving Fresh Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for storing produce are often either too large or too small, consuming excessive space and being unsuitable for use in collapsed positions, which limits their utility.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible produce keeper with a telescopic design, featuring an upper and lower container connected by a lid and base, allowing for selective expansion and collapse, with inclined sidewalls for a snug fit and latching mechanisms for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a container is made collapsible to reduce storage space, then space efficiency is improved, but the container becomes unsuitable for use in the collapsed position
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs a telescopic mechanism with movable sidewalls that allow dynamic transition between expanded and collapsed states. The sidewalls include inclined portions that guide the collapsing motion, enabling the container to be compressed to a fraction of its original height while maintaining structural integrity and usability in both states.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible container is designed so that the sidewalls nest within each other during collapse, with the upper sidewall portions fitting into spaces created by the lower sidewall portions. This nesting arrangement allows compact storage while preserving the container's functional form when expanded.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a container is designed to be too large to accommodate all produce, then versatility is improved, but space consumption in refrigerator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container's telescopic design allows it to dynamically adjust its volume to match the actual produce storage needs. When produce volume is small, the container collapses to a compact size; when produce volume is large, it expands to accommodate the full capacity, eliminating the need to store a permanently large container.
Solution Approach 2:
The container changes its primary dimension parameter (height) through the telescopic mechanism, allowing it to transition between a compact collapsed state for small produce quantities and a tall expanded state for large produce quantities, thereby adapting to different storage requirements without consuming excessive refrigerator space.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible produce keeper is selectively positionable between an expanded position and a collapsed position, in which the produce keeper may be used to contain produce in both positions. In one version, an upper container portion is telescopically connected to a lower container portion, with a lid removably attached to the upper container and a base removably attached to the lower container.