Collapsible Insulated Air Cargo Container With Modular Panels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current transport containers face challenges in providing both mechanical and thermal stability, especially during air transport, where temperature-sensitive goods are exposed to extreme temperature variations, and existing solutions are either rigid and non-collapsible or collapsible but easily damaged, complicating assembly and handling.
Innovation Solution
A thermally insulating collapsible transport container designed with modular, lightweight panels made from materials like polyurethane foam and expanded polystyrene, featuring L-section members for easy assembly and disassembly, which can be erected at the point of use and maintained within a narrow temperature range using gel packs and a cargo net for weatherproofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid containers are used to provide mechanical strength, then strength is improved, but collapsibility and ease of storage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple modular panels (front, rear, side walls) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each panel contains integrated insulation layers and structural elements, allowing the container to be segmented for collapse and storage while maintaining strength when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure transitions between two states: an expanded assembled state providing full mechanical strength and volume, and a collapsed disassembled state for compact storage. This parameter change enables the container to adapt between strength and collapsibility requirements.
2Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials are used to reduce weight, then weight is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs composite construction combining lightweight insulating materials (foam plastics, honeycomb structures) with reinforced structural elements (edging beams, corner posts). This composite approach achieves optimal balance between weight reduction and mechanical strength retention.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the container have different material properties: corners and edges receive reinforced structural elements for strength, while large surface areas use lightweight insulating materials for weight reduction. This local differentiation optimizes the weight-strength trade-off.
3Temperature
If thermal insulation is added to maintain temperature stability, then temperature stability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulation layers are merged with the structural panels themselves rather than being separate additions. Insulation materials are integrated into the wall panels, combining structural support and thermal insulation functions into unified components, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container panels serve multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, thermal insulation, and weatherproofing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device while maintaining temperature stability.
4Reliability
If pre-assembled containers are manufactured, then strength and reliability are improved, but warehousing requirements and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into flat-pack panels that can be stored in compact configurations. These segmented components assemble into a reliable full-size container only when needed, dramatically reducing warehousing volume requirements while maintaining container reliability through standardized connection mechanisms.
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 a cost-effective, easily constructed container that maintains temperature stability and mechanical protection, compatible with standard Unit Load Device specifications, reducing warehousing needs and ensuring efficient handling and transportation of temperature-sensitive goods.
Implementation Method 1
The container is constructed using modular panels, which are made from thermally insulating materials such as polyurethane foam or expanded polystyrene
Implementation Method 2
The panels are joined together using L-section members, which are made from a material such as wood-pulp, aluminium, steel, polypropylene, glass-fibre or carbon-fibre
Implementation Method 3
a cargo net for weatherproofing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The present invention relates to a transport container which provides mechanical and thermal stability for a load and which container is fabricated as the container is loaded. In particular, the present invention relates to a container which can be readily transported on aircraft, such as an aircraft container. The present invention seeks to provide a transport container which can maintain goods within a narrow temperature range, can displace a considerably reduced volume before erection, is economical to manufacture, can readily and easily be constructed. The present invention further seeks to provide a transport container (20) which is compatible with standard Unit Load Device specifications.