Collapsible Intermodal Platform for Efficient Stacking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intermodal transport solutions face inefficiencies in relocating empty containers, as they occupy the same space as full ones, require manual and hazardous operation, and lack the ability to support heavy loads without deformation, especially when trying to accommodate lengthy materials.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible intermodal transport platform with arcuate upper flanges and rotating axle members that allow for the support members to be lowered during empty transport, raised for lifting and stacking, and rocked out for full-length loading, featuring hydraulic or electric actuation to minimize operator involvement and prevent component impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional intermodal containers are used for transport, then cargo can be moved between multiple modes (truck, rail, ship), but empty containers occupy the same space as full containers and require their own trailer chassis for highway transport
Solution Approach 1:
The flatbed structure employs collapsible side walls and end walls that can be dynamically reconfigured between an elevated operational position (providing intermodal compatibility and structural integrity) and a collapsed storage position (minimizing volume to conform to standard ISO fitments). This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to serve multiple functions: maintaining adaptability when needed while reducing space occupation during empty transport or storage.
2Reliability
If conventional intermodal containers are used, then standard lifting and stacking operations can be performed, but the containers cannot accommodate lengthy materials such as pre-formed steel beams or lumber
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls and end walls are designed to be collapsible rather than fixed, allowing the flatbed to adapt its configuration based on cargo requirements. When transporting lengthy materials, the walls can be collapsed to provide full-length clearance. When performing lifting or stacking operations, the walls are elevated to their operational position to restore structural integrity and provide standard intermodal fitments. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the same structure to accommodate both standard intermodal cargo and lengthy materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The flatbed structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides standard intermodal compatibility for conventional cargo transport, accommodates lengthy materials when walls are collapsed, and maintains structural integrity for lifting and stacking operations when walls are elevated. The collapsible wall system allows a single structure to serve both the requirements of standard intermodal containers and the needs of flatbed trailers for oversized cargo.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual operation is used for collapsing and raising support members, then the structure can be converted between positions, but the process is hazardous and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operation of collapsing and raising support members is replaced with hydraulic or electric actuation systems. These powered mechanisms automatically perform the conversion between collapsed and elevated positions, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle heavy structural components. This substitution significantly improves operator safety by removing them from hazardous positions and reduces the time required for position conversion through automated, rapid actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flatbed structure is equipped with self-actuating mechanisms (hydraulic or electric) that automatically perform the conversion between operational and storage positions without requiring external manual intervention. The system serves itself by internally generating the force needed to reconfigure its structure, thereby eliminating the time-consuming and hazardous manual labor previously required while maintaining full adaptability.
4Strength
If the flatbed is made stronger to support heavier loads, then load capacity increases, but the empty weight increases reducing cargo carrying capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls and end walls are designed as collapsible structures that can be elevated to provide full structural strength when the flatbed is carrying heavy loads or undergoing lifting operations. When collapsed during empty transport or storage, these walls minimize the overall weight and volume of the flatbed. This dynamic configuration allows the flatbed to achieve maximum strength only when needed, rather than maintaining constant high strength that would permanently increase empty weight, thereby optimizing the ratio of load-bearing capacity to empty weight.
Data Source
AI summary
A stacking and lifting system for intermodal transport platforms is disclosed. Transport platforms can be converted between a storage or empty transport position and a haul or load position through rotation of support posts that provide structural support and locate fitments that align with adjoining fitments on standard intermodal containers. The support posts have fitments at their distal ends for use during lifting or stacking operations when the transport platform is loaded and in use. The support posts also have stacking blocks that provide flip-up fitments for use when the posts are in a lowered configuration for stacking transport platforms with other transport platforms or with standard intermodal containers. The stacking blocks may be lifted directly or may be locked in to adjoining fitment housings, such that the transport platform will cling to the adjoining platform or intermodal container above it that is being lifted.