Collapsible Intermodal Container with Hinged Side Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficient transportation and storage of empty intermodal containers due to trade imbalances, which incur significant costs in fuel, handling, and storage, as well as the need for alternative solutions to optimize logistics in both international and domestic shipping.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible intermodal container design that can transition between an erected configuration for storage and a collapsed configuration for reduced width, utilizing hinged side walls, link members, and end assemblies with twistlock engagement, allowing for efficient stacking and transportation of multiple containers in a single shipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If empty intermodal containers are transported back to the exporting country for reuse, then container availability is improved, but transportation costs and fuel consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs dynamic side walls that can pivot between an erected position for storage and a collapsed position for transportation. This dynamic structure allows the container to adapt its configuration based on whether it is being used or returned empty, enabling efficient stacking and reduced space during return trips without compromising its functionality when in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the width dimension by collapsing the side walls inward, reducing the container's overall width when empty. This dimensional change allows multiple empty containers to be stacked or placed side-by-side in a single transportation unit, dramatically reducing the number of trips required and associated fuel consumption.
2Loss of energy
If empty intermodal containers are stored at the importing country, then storage costs are reduced, but transportation efficiency deteriorates due to continued imbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible side wall mechanism enables containers to be efficiently stacked in a compact form when stored empty at the importing country. The erected configuration maintains full storage capacity when needed, while the collapsed configuration maximizes stacking density during storage periods, resolving the conflict between storage cost reduction and transportation efficiency.
3Volume of moving object
If the container width is reduced in collapsed configuration, then space utilization is improved, but structural stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls are designed with hinges and link members that provide mechanical advantage and structural support. When in the erected configuration, the link members extend outward to provide bracing that maintains structural stability. When collapsed, the same mechanism allows the walls to fold inward while maintaining integrity through the hinged connection and controlled pivoting motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls are divided into multiple segments connected by hinges and link members. This segmentation allows each segment to move independently during collapse while maintaining overall structural integrity. The modular design enables the container to achieve a compact collapsed form without compromising the strength and stability needed when erected for storage.
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 collapsible design significantly reduces the width of the container when not in use, enabling more containers to be transported or stored in a defined area, thereby minimizing logistical costs and optimizing space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
an upper wall hingedly attached to the upper end portion of the first side wall; and a lower wall hingedly attached to the lower end portion of the second side wall
Implementation Method 2
an upper link member having a first end hingedly attached to the upper end portion of the second side wall and a second end hingedly attached to the upper wall, and may further comprise a lower link member having a first end hingedly attached to the lower end portion of the first side wall and a second end hingedly attached to the lower wall
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible intermodal container includes first and second opposing side walls, the first side wall extending substantially parallel to the second side wall. Each of the first and second side walls having a lower end portion and an upper end portion. An upper wall is hingedly attached to the upper end portion of the first side wall, and a lower wall is hingedly attached to the lower end portion of the second side wall. In an erected configuration of the container, the upper wall extends from the upper end portion of the first side wall to the upper end portion of the second side wall, and the lower wall extends from the lower end portion of the second side wall to the lower end portion of the first side wall, such that the first and second side walls are spaced apart by a first distance to define an interior for storing goods. In a collapsed configuration of the container, the upper wall extends downwardly from the upper end portion of the first side wall to the lower end portion of the first side wall, and the lower wall extends upwardly from the lower end portion of the second side wall to the upper end portion of the second side wall.