Collapsible Shipping Container Cam Lock Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The inefficiency of transporting empty shipping containers, which occupy valuable space and incur significant costs and emissions, as they cannot be easily collapsed or locked for secure stacking, leading to uneconomical voyages and increased shipping costs.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible shipping container design that uses a cam lock mechanism to securely lock and unlock the collapsed configuration, allowing four empty containers to be transported in the space of one, reducing space occupancy and emissions by utilizing a mechanical spreader or manual operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If empty containers are transported in traditional configuration, then they can be easily handled and stacked, but they occupy excessive space and incur high transportation costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupancyVSAvoidhandling and stacking

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The container is designed with collapsible walls that can transition between expanded and collapsed states. The walls include hinge joints and locking mechanisms that allow them to be folded inward, reducing the container's volume when empty while maintaining structural integrity when loaded

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collapsed container can be nested within another container or stacked in a space-efficient manner. The collapsible design allows multiple empty containers to be stored within the volume of a single container, enabling efficient return trips

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If collapsible container design is implemented, then space occupancy is reduced, but structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupancyVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container structure is divided into modular sections with standardized hinge joints and locking mechanisms. Each wall panel is a separate component that can be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall construction despite the collapsible functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container includes self-latching mechanisms and automatic locking features that engage when the walls are folded into the collapsed position. This reduces the need for complex manual locking systems and simplifies the overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of moving object

If collapsible container design is implemented, then space occupancy is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupancyVSAvoiddimensional precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The container is manufactured as modular sections with standardized dimensions and tolerance ranges. Each wall panel and joint component is produced with consistent precision requirements that are manageable with standard manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates dimensional tolerances that accommodate normal manufacturing variations. The hinge joints and locking mechanisms are designed with clearance ranges that ensure proper function even with slight dimensional variations in the manufactured parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If cam lock mechanism is added for securing collapsed containers, then stacking security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestacking securityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cam lock mechanism is integrated with the existing hinge joints and wall structure. The locking action is combined with the folding motion, so that the same mechanical components serve both the collapsing function and the securing function, rather than adding separate independent systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cam lock mechanism automatically engages when the container walls are folded into the collapsed position. The geometry of the folding motion itself drives the cam into the locked position, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations or complex control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution significantly reduces repositioning costs by up to 75% and emissions by 37.5%, enhancing transportation efficiency across modes and ensuring safe, secure stacking and storage of empty containers.

Implementation Method 1

an elongate member having a bottom edge with a first cam surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS10518966B2Collapsible shipping container with cam lock mounting bracket

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 COLLAPSIBLE REVOLUTION LLC

AI summary

A shipping container is disclosed that can readily transform from an upright to a collapsed configuration to increase efficiencies in shipping. A locking mechanism maintains the container in the upright position until it requires collapsing, using a cam lock configuration that captures a rotatable cam using a pin to lock the mechanism, and a release pin is rotated to unlock the mechanism.