Abutment Joint for Freight Container Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Freight containers face challenges in efficiently transitioning from an unfolded state to a folded state without expanding beyond their predefined maximum width, which can lead to structural damage and non-compliance with ISO standards, especially due to the 'hypotenuse issue' where the length of the cross-member changes, causing the container to exceed its defined dimensions during folding.
Innovation Solution
The jointed member, comprising a first and second elongate section with an abutment joint, allows for relative movement between the sections, enabling the freight container to fold within its defined maximum length and width by accommodating the change in the hypotenuse length, thereby preventing structural damage and maintaining compliance with ISO standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the freight container transitions from unfolded state to folded state, then the volume occupied is reduced, but the container expands beyond its predefined maximum width causing structural damage
Solution Approach 1:
The jointed member incorporates movable joints that allow the cross-member to dynamically adjust its configuration during folding. The jointed section can pivot and reposition to accommodate the hypotenuse length change, enabling the container to fold within its predefined dimensional constraints while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-member is divided into multiple sections with joints between them, allowing independent movement of each segment. This segmentation enables the structure to adapt its shape during folding without requiring the entire cross-member to expand beyond maximum width, thus preventing structural damage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cross-member length changes during folding, then the container can fold, but it exceeds its defined dimensions violating ISO standards
Solution Approach 1:
The jointed cross-member provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the structure to maintain precise dimensional control during folding operations. The joints enable controlled movement that keeps the container within ISO-defined dimensional limits while still achieving the desired folded state.
3Length of stationary object
If the jointed member allows relative movement between sections, then the container folds within predefined dimensions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-member is segmented into sections with simple joints connecting them. This segmentation allows relative movement between sections to accommodate folding while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design, balancing the need for movement with structural simplicity.
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
Enables the freight container to reversibly fold within its predefined dimensions, reducing the volume occupied when empty, allowing for more efficient transportation and storage, and maintaining structural integrity and compliance with ISO standards.
Implementation Method 1
an abutment joint having a first abutment member and a second abutment member, where the first abutment member forms a part of the first elongate section, the first abutment member having a projection that extends from first abutment member shoulders, the projection having a distal end from which a first surface and a second surface extend towards the first abutment member shoulders at an acute angle; and where the second abutment member forms a part of the second elongate section, the second abutment member having a socket into which the projection of the first abutment member releasably seats
Implementation Method 2
the first surface defining the first oblong opening and the second surface defining the second oblong opening apply a shearing stress to the fastener
Implementation Method 3
in the first predetermined state the first abutment member and the second abutment member are under a compressive force against each other
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an abutment joint (600) that includes a first abutment member (602) and a second abutment member (604). The first abutment member includes a projection that extends from first abutment member shoulders and has a distal end from which a first surface and a second surface extend towards the first abutment member shoulders at an acute angle. The second abutment member has a socket into which the projection of the first abutment member releasably seats. The socket has a first surface and a second surface that extends away from a first end of the second abutment member at an acute angle. The first end of the second abutment member includes second abutment member shoulders that extend from the socket.