Suspended Cargo Deck Isolator Structure for Lasting Shock Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers fail to effectively isolate cargo from physical shocks and vibrations during transportation and storage, as suspension mechanisms using rubber bands or springs degrade over time, reducing their shock-dampening capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A container system with a suspended deck supported by flexible vibration isolator members made of resilient plastic, which compress and decompress to absorb shocks and vibrations, featuring apertures for fluid flow and attachment interfaces for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rubber bands or springs are used as suspension mechanisms, then the deck can be suspended and cargo can be protected from shocks, but the suspension mechanisms degrade over time and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from organic elastomers (rubber bands) or metal springs to a synthetic foam material with specific cellular structure. This parameter change provides superior durability and resistance to degradation while maintaining the shock-absorbing function. The foam material's closed-cell structure and polymer composition prevent the degradation issues that plague rubber bands and springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure where a foam material (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or other polymers) is used to create the vibration isolator. This composite material approach combines the benefits of flexibility, shock absorption, and long-term durability that cannot be achieved with single materials like rubber or metal alone.
2Strength
If rigid deck material is used, then the deck has sufficient strength to be suspended, but it transfers more shock to the cargo
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a foam material with a cellular structure that provides flexibility at the material level. The foam's cell walls can deform under load, absorbing shock energy while the overall deck structure maintains its strength. This flexible cellular structure prevents rigid shock transfer to cargo while preserving deck integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam material's porous cellular structure is key to resolving this contradiction. The pores and cells compress under shock loads, dissipating energy through cell wall deformation and air compression within the cells. This porous structure allows the deck to be both strong and shock-absorbing, as the pores provide a mechanism for energy absorption without compromising overall structural strength.
3Strength
If solid foam material is used without apertures, then the material maintains structural integrity, but fluid flow is restricted affecting compression and expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately incorporates apertures or perforations through the foam body, creating a controlled porous structure. These apertures allow fluid (air) to flow through the material during compression and expansion cycles, preventing vacuum lock effects and enabling smoother, more efficient deformation. The apertures are strategically placed to maintain structural integrity while facilitating necessary fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam structure exhibits local quality variations where different regions serve different functions. The bulk foam material provides structural strength and shock absorption, while the apertures in specific locations facilitate fluid flow and pressure equalization. This local differentiation of properties allows the single component to satisfy multiple conflicting requirements simultaneously.
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 system provides sustained shock and vibration isolation by using flexible, resilient materials that maintain their effectiveness over time, ensuring cargo protection without the need for frequent replacements.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible body configured to resiliently compress in response to a force applied to the vibration isolator member
Implementation Method 2
reduce or dampen a transfer of shock or vibration to the deck
Implementation Method 3
The outer wall includes one or more apertures to allow fluid flow into and out of the inner cavity of the flexible body during compression or expansion of the flexible body
Data Source
AI summary
A container system including an outer shell, a deck disposed within the outer shell and configured to support cargo, and at least one vibration isolator member to support the deck within the outer shell and reduce or dampen a transfer of shock or vibration to the deck. Each vibration isolator member includes a hollow, flexible body configured to resiliently compress in response to a force. At least one fastener interface secures the flexible body to the bottom wall or to the deck. The hollow, flexible body has one or more apertures to allow fluid flow into and out of an inner cavity of the flexible body during compression or expansion.