Cargo Container Side Post Assemblies with Reinforcement Plates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cargo carrying containers face a challenge in maximizing storage volume while maintaining structural integrity under various loading forces, as deeper side posts enhance strength but reduce space, and heavier materials increase weight and fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates side post assemblies with a 'U' shape and reinforcement plates made from lighter materials like aluminum, where the reinforcement plates are secured to panels using welding, fasteners, or adhesives, allowing for logistics slots to be reinforced without compromising internal space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the depth of side post assemblies is increased to enhance strength and rigidity, then the ability to resist bending under loading is improved, but the cargo storage volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from increasing depth in the vertical dimension to adding reinforcement plates in the lateral dimension. The reinforcement plates are attached to the outer surfaces of the side post assemblies, providing structural reinforcement without increasing the depth that would encroach on cargo storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The side post assemblies are constructed as composite structures combining the base side post (made from lighter gauge materials) with reinforcement plates (made from stronger materials). This composite construction achieves the strength of deeper posts while maintaining the original depth to preserve cargo volume.
2Strength
If thicker panels and side post assemblies are used to increase strength, then structural integrity is improved, but the overall weight of the container increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite construction where lighter gauge side posts are combined with reinforcement plates. This allows the use of lighter materials for the main structure while adding strategic reinforcement only where needed, achieving structural integrity without the weight penalty of uniformly thicker components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of uniformly thickening all panels and side posts, the invention applies reinforcement plates locally at specific positions on the side post assemblies. This localized reinforcement provides necessary strength only where structural demands require it, minimizing overall weight increase.
3Strength
If steel material is used instead of aluminum to increase strength, then structural capacity is improved, but weight and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite structure where aluminum side posts (lightweight) are combined with steel reinforcement plates (high strength). This composite construction achieves the structural capacity of steel while maintaining the weight advantage of aluminum for the majority of the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies high-strength steel material locally in the form of reinforcement plates only where structural reinforcement is needed, rather than using steel throughout. This localized use of heavier material minimizes weight increase while providing necessary structural capacity.
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
This configuration balances strength, weight control, and storage space maximization by providing robust reinforcement at logistics slots while minimizing weight and maintaining cargo container volume.
Implementation Method 1
The reinforcement plates are secured to panels using welding, fasteners, or adhesives
Implementation Method 2
The reinforcement plates are secured to panels using welding, fasteners, or adhesives
Implementation Method 3
The reinforcement plates are secured to panels using welding, fasteners, or adhesives
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo container having a floor and a peripheral wall structure and including a plurality of side post assemblies. Each side post assembly has a body with a vertically extending length. The body of each side post assembly is secured at the outside surface of at least one of the panels. Each side post assembly further has a reinforcement plate with oppositely facing first and second surfaces. The first surface is facially abutted to the outside surface of the at least one panel. The body of the side post at least partially overlies the reinforcement plate. A logistics slot is formed in one of the side post assemblies.