Collapsible Semi-Bulk Container With Swing Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible intermediate bulk containers (IBC) are costly to transport due to weight, non-collapsible designs, and introduce contamination risks with cardboard dividers, which are not reusable and cause storage issues.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible semi-bulk container made of polyethylene or polypropylene fabric with stiffening panels and swing walls that can be stacked and divided into smaller compartments, providing mechanical support and resistance to pressure while allowing for easy storage and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional non-collapsible IBCs are used to transport bulk contents, then the container can support heavy loads, but the transportation cost increases due to weight and the container cannot be collapsed for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs dynamic wall panels that can transition between extended and collapsed positions. The side walls include panels that can be folded or collapsed to reduce the container's volume when empty, while maintaining structural integrity when loaded. This dynamic transformation allows the container to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, reducing transportation costs for empty containers while maintaining load support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is divided into multiple wall panels that can be independently folded or collapsed. The side walls are segmented into multiple panels connected by hinges or folding mechanisms, allowing each panel to be collapsed individually or collectively. This segmentation enables the container to reduce its volume when empty while maintaining structural strength when loaded, resolving the contradiction between load support and transportation efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cardboard dividers are added to separate IBCs into smaller compartments, then the container can be divided into compartments, but the dividers are deformed during transport, introduce box dust contamination, and increase storage space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The container uses flexible fabric walls made of polyethylene or polypropylene material that can form compartments without rigid dividers. The flexible fabric material eliminates the box dust contamination issue associated with cardboard dividers while maintaining the ability to create separate compartments. The fabric walls can be configured to form compartments when needed and collapsed when not needed, eliminating the storage space problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible fabric walls serve multiple functions: they provide the container's structural boundary, create compartment divisions when required, and can be collapsed to reduce storage volume. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cardboard dividers, reducing contamination risks while maintaining adaptability for different storage configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard cardboard dividers are used to create compartments, then the container can be divided, but the dividers have greater x and y dimensions than the bulk bags when folded flat, causing storage and return shipping problems
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible fabric walls that form compartments are integrated into the container structure and can be collapsed along with the rest of the container. When the container is collapsed for storage, the fabric walls fold flat along with the container body, eliminating the excess storage space problem created by rigid cardboard dividers. The fabric material's flexibility allows it to conform to the collapsed container's compact form.
Solution Approach 2:
The compartment-forming walls are merged with the container's main structure rather than being separate components. The fabric walls that create compartments are continuous with the container's side walls and can be collapsed together as a single unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate storage space for dividers, as the compartment structure collapses with the container itself.
4Ease of operation
If the container is designed to collapse for storage, then the container can be easily stored and transported, but the container may not provide sufficient structural support for heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs dynamic wall panels with hinges and folding mechanisms that allow the structure to transition between rigid and collapsed states. When loaded, the panels extend to their full length and lock into position, providing maximum structural support. When empty, the panels can be collapsed to reduce volume. This dynamic behavior allows the container to provide sufficient structural support when needed while maintaining ease of storage when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The container's wall panels are pre-configured with hinges and connection points that enable easy collapse. The structural reinforcement elements are positioned to automatically engage when the container is loaded, providing strength before the load is even placed. This preliminary configuration allows the container to quickly transition between states without requiring complex assembly or disassembly procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible, collapsible semi-bulk container for storing and transporting content is provided. The container has the strength to hold up to two tons of contents while being stacked up to five high. The container is also collapsible for ease of storage and transport. In some embodiments, the container includes swing walls that provide support to the side walls when positioned substantially adjacent to them. In another embodiment, the container includes partial swing walls that support cassettes for dividing the container into smaller compartments. In a still further embodiment, the container includes an interior baffle for dividing the container into smaller compartments.