Transport container
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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, with limited insulation efficiency and complex assembly requirements.
Innovation Solution
A thermally insulating collapsible transport container fabricated from co-operating panels with L-shaped rebates, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, using materials like extruded polystyrene foam and glass-reinforced plastics, which can be erected at the point of use and maintains a narrow temperature range, compatible with standard Unit Load Device specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid non-collapsible containers are used to provide mechanical strength and thermal insulation, then protection and insulation are improved, but storage efficiency and transport flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple rigid panels that can be assembled together to form the complete structure. Each panel maintains its structural integrity while the overall container can be disassembled for compact storage, resolving the contradiction between needing rigid components for strength and requiring collapsible form for storage efficiency.
2Reliability
If complex assembly structures are used to ensure thermal insulation and mechanical stability, then insulation and strength are improved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the panel structures: thermal insulation, mechanical strength, and interlocking assembly are integrated into single rigid panels. The rebates and protrusions combine sealing and structural functions, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid panels serve multiple purposes simultaneously: providing thermal insulation, maintaining mechanical strength, enabling easy assembly through standardized rebates, and ensuring weatherproof sealing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall system.
3Productivity
If standardized ULD-compatible containers are used to improve aircraft loading efficiency, then transport compatibility is improved, but design flexibility and customization options worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The container design allows for configurable panel arrangements that can adapt to different cargo requirements while maintaining standardized external dimensions for ULD compatibility. The modular panel system enables dynamic reconfiguration for different load types without sacrificing transport efficiency.
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, lightweight container that maintains temperature stability and physical protection, reducing assembly complexity and storage requirements, while being compatible with standard aircraft loading systems, ensuring efficient and reliable transportation of temperature-sensitive goods.
Implementation Method 1
a first arm of the L-shape section defining, in use, part of the outside wall of the first member, the second arm of the L-shape section having an inside face opposing said edge face of the panel, whereby to define a rebate into which an edge portion of the second panel can be received and resiliently retained therein
Implementation Method 2
By having separate panels resiliently retained, air passage between an inside and an outside of a container is prevented
Data Source
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. In the field of logistics, that is the field of movement and supply of produce and materials, in particular in the transport of intermediate and finished products, containers have been developed which safely protect from physical damage a wide variety of product. Food and pharmaceutical products not only need protection from physical shock and pressures but also require temperature stability during transportation; otherwise goods can be damaged and be unusable, whether such damage is apparent or not. However, air transport poses a particular problem: Goods can be transported in tropical heat, packaged and placed upon pallets and the like containers whereby they are presented in aircraft style containers. Such goods may be left on runways at extreme temperatures (+40° C.) and then placed within a hold where low pressures and low temperatures exist during flight. At a destination airport the temperatures may well be sub-zero. To simplify transport with respect to airports, planes and handling equipment, there have been developed aircraft Unit Load Devices (ULDs) which comprise any type of pallet or container that can easily be loaded to the aircraft by a ground handler. 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 which is compatible with standard Unit Load Device specifications.