Collapsible Bulk Container Segmented Framework
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bulk material containment methods, such as corrugated, woven fabric, and rigid drum containers, face challenges with stability, cost, and recyclability, particularly in handling and transporting bulk materials like semisolids, granulars, and liquids, due to issues like deformation, high shipping costs, and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible container system featuring a rigid framework with a woven fabric bag, allowing for rapid assembly and disassembly, providing bulge resistance and stacking strength, and being recyclable, which reduces storage and shipping costs by collapsing into a compact module for protection during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid drum containers are used to contain bulk materials, then strength and stability are improved, but shipping and storage costs increase due to inability to collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple rigid segments (drum sections) that can be detached from one another. Each segment maintains structural strength when assembled but can be separated and collapsed individually for compact storage, resolving the contradiction between maintaining strength and enabling cost-effective shipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The container transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that can change its configuration. When assembled, the rigid segments provide structural strength; when disassembled, they can be collapsed into compact forms for economical storage and shipping, allowing the container to adapt to different operational requirements.
2Loss of energy
If collapsible containers are used to reduce shipping costs, then storage and shipping efficiency are improved, but stability and strength during transport deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container consists of multiple rigid drum segments that provide stability when assembled and connected. These same segments can be detached and collapsed individually for efficient storage and shipping, allowing the system to achieve both stability during use and cost-efficiency during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the container system have different properties: the assembled rigid segments provide stability and strength during transport, while the disassembled collapsed segments provide compactness for storage. Each local configuration optimizes for its specific function.
3Reliability
If non-collapsible rigid containers are used, then strength and reliability are improved, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reliable rigid container is segmented into multiple detachable drum sections. When in use, the assembled segments provide the necessary reliability and strength. When stored, the segments can be disassembled and collapsed into compact forms, dramatically reducing the storage volume required while maintaining reliability during operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If corrugated or woven fabric containers are used, then cost and collapsibility are improved, but strength and bulge resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container uses multiple rigid drum segments that are joined together. Each segment maintains the strength and bulge resistance of traditional rigid drums, while the modular segmented design allows for cost-effective manufacturing and the ability to collapse segments individually for storage, overcoming the limitations of both corrugated and woven fabric containers.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible, reusable bulk material container assembly, kit and method for assembling and using same are disclosed. Upper ring and base members are locked together by peripheral post members, forming an upright rigid framework that operatively supports a woven fabric bulk material receiving sleeve. A cover connected to the upper ring seals the container. Intermediate support bands may be attached to and along the post members to resist outwardly directed forces applied to the post members through the sleeve by contained bulk material. The container is reconfigurable to a collapsed storage or shipping module that retainably contains the post members, support bands and woven fabric sleeve. The post members may be segmentable or collapsible for containment within the collapsed module. Component parts of the container assembly are detachable, reusable and recyclable. One configuration of the container is sized to replace a conventional 55-gallon drum.