Collapsible Shipping Container Locking and Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible shipping containers face challenges with weight, secure locking mechanisms, and durable identification tags, particularly when handling liquids or high-pressure materials, and require improvements in discharge systems and protection from damage during transit.
Innovation Solution
The design includes lightweight locking mechanisms with a spring-activated handle for easy operation, an adapter for flexible discharge spouts, and an RFID tag or barcode in a recessed slot for protection, all while maintaining structural integrity and compliance with ASTM standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heavy steel construction is used to withstand stacking loads and outward pressure from cargo, then container strength and reliability are improved, but container tare weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure is divided into a permanent base and removable walls (front, rear, and side walls). This segmentation allows the heavy load-bearing base to be optimized for strength while the removable walls can be made of lighter materials, reducing overall tare weight while maintaining the ability to withstand stacking loads and cargo pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design transitions from a fully rigid steel structure to a hybrid structure with a rigid base and flexible/removable walls. This parameter change in structural rigidity allows the container to maintain strength where needed (base for stacking loads) while reducing weight in areas where flexibility and adaptability are more important (side walls for cargo accommodation).
2Ease of operation
If simple locking mechanisms are used to reduce cost and weight, then ease of operation and reduced tare weight are improved, but reliability of securing walls during transit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-latching, where the act of inserting the wall into the base automatically engages the locking feature without requiring separate manual locking actions. This self-service approach maintains reliability through automatic engagement while improving ease of operation by eliminating complex manual locking steps.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking feature acts as an intermediary element between the removable walls and the base, providing a simple yet reliable connection mechanism. This intermediary component enables secure attachment during transit while maintaining simplicity in the overall locking system design.
3Ease of manufacture
If rough edges are present on side wall openings for spout insertion, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but damage to discharge spouts increases
Solution Approach 1:
A protective collar or reinforcement ring is installed around the opening in the side wall before the spout is inserted. This beforehand cushioning element prevents the rough edges of the opening from contacting and damaging the spout during insertion and use, while requiring minimal additional manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective collar serves as an intermediary element between the rough opening edges and the spout, isolating the spout from direct contact with potentially damaging surfaces while maintaining the simplicity of the original opening fabrication method.
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 solution provides secure, efficient, and damage-resistant collapsible containers that reduce tare weight, facilitate easy handling, and ensure reliable identification, while enabling safe and efficient discharge of liquids, thus addressing the limitations of current containers.
Implementation Method 1
locking mechanisms with a spring-activated handle for easy operation
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are collapsible containers for transportation of cargo, and methods of using them. The containers may include textured bottom surfaces to facilitate positive engagement with a conveyor. In some embodiments, the containers include secure locking mechanisms that prevent inadvertent unlocking while also permitting one-handed operation. In some embodiments, the containers include adapters to facilitate discharge of liquid cargo.