Collapsible Intermodal Platform with Rotating Ribbings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intermodal transport solutions face inefficiencies due to the need for manual operation, safety hazards, limited load capacity, and inability to stack or load full-length materials, as well as the high cost and space inefficiency of empty containers, which restrict the flexibility and capacity of cargo transport across multiple modes.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible intermodal transport platform with arcuate upper flanges and rotating axle members that allow for hydraulic or electric actuation, enabling safe and efficient conversion between stowed, lift, and extended load positions, while maintaining structural integrity and compatibility with standard intermodal systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional intermodal containers are used, then cargo can be transported over long distances using multiple modes, but the containers take up as much space empty as full, and require their own trailer chassis for highway transport
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure is made dynamically collapsible, allowing it to transition between an expanded configuration for cargo transport and a collapsed configuration for space-efficient storage and relocation. The collapsible walls and roof can be folded or compressed to reduce the container's volume by a factor of 5-10x when empty, eliminating the need for dedicated chassis during relocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is divided into modular segments including collapsible walls, roof, and floor sections that can be independently folded or compressed. These segmented structures allow the container to maintain its standard exterior dimensions when loaded while collapsing to a compact form when empty, enabling efficient stacking and transport of empty units.
2Productivity
If standard intermodal containers are used, then cargo transport efficiency is improved, but loading and unloading must be done one pallet at a time through one end, which is slow and limits spatial access
Solution Approach 1:
The container walls are designed to be dynamically collapsible or removable, allowing the container to transition from a fully enclosed structure to an open-sided configuration during loading and unloading operations. This enables forklifts to access cargo from multiple directions simultaneously, dramatically increasing loading/unloading speed and eliminating the need to maneuver through a single end door.
3Device complexity
If manual operation is used for container handling, then device complexity is reduced, but safety hazards increase and operator involvement is required
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical operations for collapsing and expanding the container are replaced with automated hydraulic or electric actuation systems. These powered mechanisms safely control the movement of heavy container walls and roof sections, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle high-stress components while reducing overall device complexity through integrated automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The container incorporates self-contained hydraulic or electric actuation systems that automatically control the collapsing and expanding operations without requiring external operators. The system monitors and manages the mechanical transformations autonomously, ensuring safe operation while minimizing human involvement in hazardous tasks.
4Strength
If conventional containers are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but the ability to load full-length materials is restricted due to forklift spatial constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The container walls are designed to be dynamically collapsible, allowing them to be folded or removed to create wide open sides for loading lengthy materials such as steel beams, lumber, or pipes. The structural integrity is maintained through reinforced corner posts and hinge mechanisms that preserve the container's strength even in the modified open configuration, enabling versatile loading of various cargo types.
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 platform minimizes operator involvement, enhances safety, increases load capacity, and allows for efficient stacking and loading of full-length materials, reducing the costs associated with empty container transport and storage by enabling the collapse of the platform for space-efficient storage and transport.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic actuator positioned at the centerline of the platform
Implementation Method 2
electric motor positioned at the centerline of the platform
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible intermodal transport platform and methods for its operation are disclosed. The invention comprises structural ribbings that rotate about an axle disposed beneath the loading surface of the platform. The ribbings are positioned along the platform so as to provide lifting and stacking fitments at the standard overhead crane lifting points when in a lift configuration. The ribbings may be rotated inboard down to the loading surface, thereby presenting stacking blocks at the crane lifting points for stacking several platforms together. Alternatively, the ribbings may be rotated outboard to accommodate full size loading of cargo. The ribbings are rotated under electric or hydraulic power, according to the various embodiments disclosed. Other features and aspects disclosed lend to the invention's low weight and high carrying capacity, as well as its unique load securing features.