Collapsible Intermodal Container Skeleton for Reliable Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable intermodal containers suffer from reliability issues during collapsing and expanding, including structural failure and instability.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible intermodal container design featuring parallel opposing side walls with integrated skeleton frameworks, roof and floor hinges, and sliding carriages, along with locking and stabilizing mechanisms to maintain structural integrity during expansion and collapse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If foldable intermodal containers use hinged connections and link members for collapsing and expanding, then the container can change configuration between expanded and collapsed states, but the container suffers from reliability issues including structural failure during collapsing and/or expanding
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure is divided into modular skeleton frameworks (wall skeletons, roof skeleton, floor skeleton) with discrete connection points. The wall members are segmented and connected via pins to both the perimeter frame and carriage members, allowing independent movement and load distribution. This segmentation prevents catastrophic structural failure by isolating stress to specific modular components rather than the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The container employs dynamic connection mechanisms including pin connections between wall members and carriages, and sliding carriage members that move along track members. These dynamic elements allow the structure to adapt its configuration while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement paths, resolving the contradiction between configurability and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the container uses a modular construction with hinged roof and floor connections, then the container can collapse and expand, but the container experiences failure in collapsing and/or expanding
Solution Approach 1:
Carriage members serve as intermediary elements between the wall skeleton framework and the roof/floor structures. These carriages translate the collapsing/expanding motion while maintaining proper alignment and force distribution. The track members guide the carriage movement, ensuring controlled and reliable operation during configuration changes, preventing the operational failures experienced in conventional designs.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the container maintains parallel opposing side walls during movement between configurations, then the container provides stable structure, but the container requires complex skeleton frameworks for stiffening
Solution Approach 1:
The skeleton framework elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: wall members provide both structural stiffening and act as guide rails for carriage movement; perimeter frames provide both structural support and attachment points for wall members; track members provide both guidance and structural reinforcement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, lowering overall complexity while maintaining parallel wall stability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is broadly directed to a collapsible intermodal container. The invention is also generally directed to a skeleton structure assembly as well as wall, roof, and floor structure sub-assemblies.