Collapsible Container With Multi-Section Hinged Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible intermodal shipping containers require multiple people and significant time to transition between erect and collapsed configurations, making them unsuitable for busy transport hubs and storage due to their size and space requirements when empty.
Innovation Solution
The design features multi-section walls with external and internal hinges that allow for efficient folding and unfolding, enabling a single person to easily convert the container between configurations, with a roof and end walls that align and collapse to reduce volume, using guides and rollers for alignment and a twistlock mechanism for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional collapsible container designs are used, then the container can be collapsed to reduce volume, but the transition requires multiple people and several minutes to complete
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs dynamic hinge mechanisms that enable smooth, controlled movement between erect and collapsed states. The hinges are designed to guide the folding motion of walls and panels, allowing a single operator to manipulate the transition through coordinated pulling and pushing actions on the end walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure is divided into multiple hinged sections including side walls, end walls, and roof panels. Each section is independently articulated through hinges, allowing sequential folding that reduces the force and time required for collapse compared to monolithic designs.
2Volume of moving object
If traditional collapsible container designs are used, then the container can be collapsed to reduce volume, but the transition process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanisms are designed to facilitate rapid, fluid motion during collapse. The articulated connections allow walls and panels to fold quickly without binding or requiring complex manual manipulation, reducing transition time from several minutes to under a minute for a single operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The container's collapse mechanism is designed to be self-guiding through the hinge geometry and panel arrangements. Once initiated by the operator pulling or pushing an end wall, the folding action propagates automatically through the hinged sections, minimizing the time and effort required to complete the transition.
3Strength
If rigid steel intermodal shipping containers are used, then structural strength is maintained, but the containers occupy full volume whether full or empty
Solution Approach 1:
The container maintains structural strength through properly engineered hinge connections and panel configurations that distribute loads during both erect and collapsed states. The hinged design allows the structure to adapt its form while maintaining integrity, enabling collapse to compact volume without compromising the strength needed for handling and stacking.
Data Source
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AI summary
A collapsible container is described in the present disclosure and can include a base, two end walls and two side walls, wherein each of the side walls include a plurality of movably connected panels that can be folded down to allow for the container to be collapsed into a more compact arrangement. The container also can include a roof that is movably connected to one or more of the walls to allow the walls to move relative to the roof.