Collapsible Container Actuator With Six-Point Folding Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The shipping industry faces inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need to transport empty cargo containers, which occupy valuable space and require specialized spreaders that are not compatible with new collapsible containers, leading to uneconomical voyages and handling challenges.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible container actuator with six contact points, dual arm linkages, and rotatable wheels that allows for reliable folding and unfolding of containers, providing sturdy operation, reducing sagging, and minimizing force requirements, while being lightweight and adaptable for various equipment and container sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional spreaders are used to handle collapsible containers, then the spreader structure becomes overly complex and requires modifications, but the handling operation remains inefficient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed with a universal interface that can handle both conventional and collapsible containers using the same basic spreader structure. The actuator itself adapts to different container types rather than requiring different spreaders, making the handling system multi-functional and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary component between the spreader and the collapsible container. It provides a standardized interface that translates the spreader's lifting action into the specific folding/unfolding motions required for collapsible containers, eliminating the need for complex custom spreader designs.
2Reliability
If six contact points are used in the actuator, then the reliability and stability improve, but the device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is segmented into multiple independent contact points (six total) that can be distributed along the container structure. This segmentation allows each contact point to be relatively simple in design while collectively providing high reliability through redundant support and balanced force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Different contact points are positioned at specific locations where they are most needed for stability and force application. The contact points are not uniformly distributed but placed strategically to maximize reliability while minimizing overall actuator weight by concentrating material only where structurally necessary.
3Force
If dual arm linkages with rotatable wheels are used, then the force requirements and sagging are reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rotatable wheels are used at the contact points instead of fixed rigid connections. The curved, rotating interface reduces friction and allows smooth motion during container folding and unfolding, significantly reducing the force required while the wheel design itself remains a simple, easily manufactured component.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual arm linkage employs asymmetric geometry where the arms are positioned at different angles and lengths optimized for the specific folding motion. This asymmetric configuration provides mechanical advantage that reduces force requirements while the individual arm components remain simple to manufacture using standard fabrication techniques.
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 actuator significantly reduces the space occupied by empty containers, enhances loading and unloading safety, and is compatible with multiple collapsible containers, improving operational efficiency and reducing shipping costs by allowing for easier handling and transfer.
Implementation Method 1
Another feature of the actuator is the use of rotatable wheels at the point of contact to reduce friction and avoid damage to the end walls
Implementation Method 2
A feature of the actuator is opposed, dual arm linkages that, when combined with corresponding pistons, apply one hundred eighty degree range of motion that are used to rotate the end walls of the collapsible container against the ceiling of the container
Implementation Method 3
dual arm linkages that, when combined with corresponding pistons, apply one hundred eighty degree range of motion
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for lifting and collapsing a collapsible cargo container includes a frame, and vertical guides for aligning the actuator with the cargo container. First and second pusher assemblies engage the end walls of the container to pivot the end walls against the ceiling of the container, where uplocks retain the end walls in a stowed away position. Foldable side walls are then buckled by the weight of the ceiling with assistance from the actuator, until the side walls occupy a predominantly horizontal position between the ceiling/end wall combination and a floor of the cargo container, resulting in a compact configuration. The actuator unfolds the container using steps discussed above in a reverse order.