Integrated Container Auto-Lock System for Compact Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual locking and unlocking of inter-box connectors (IBC's) in freight containers is time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring substantial effort and resulting in valuable space loss due to the gaps between stacked containers during transportation and storage.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a container auto-lock system (CALS) into freight containers, which includes a locking mechanism within the castings that automatically secures and releases containers during stacking and unloading, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing the gap between containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inter-box connectors (IBC's) are used to attach stacked freight containers, then containers can be securely connected, but substantial time and labor are required for manual locking and unlocking operations
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically locks containers together when stacked and automatically unlocks when a lifting force is applied, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the stacking action to trigger locking and the lifting action to trigger unlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured to engage automatically when containers are stacked, and the unlocking mechanism is pre-configured to activate when lifting force is applied, so that the locking and unlocking actions are performed in advance of any manual operation that would be required.
2Reliability
If manual inter-box connectors (IBC's) are used to attach stacked freight containers, then containers can be securely connected, but substantial labor effort is required for manual locking and unlocking operations
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically locks containers together when stacked and automatically unlocks when a lifting force is applied, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the stacking action to trigger locking and the lifting action to trigger unlocking.
3Reliability
If inter-box connectors (IBC's) are used to attach stacked freight containers, then containers can be connected, but valuable space is lost due to gaps between containers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the inter-box connector components from the system entirely, replacing them with an integrated locking mechanism that is built into the container corner castings. This extraction of the separate IBC component eliminates the gap that would be created by the connector thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is merged with the container corner casting structure, making the locking function integral to the container itself rather than a separate attached component. This integration eliminates the need for additional space-consuming connectors.
Data Source
AI summary
A container according the present application includes a container auto-lock system. The container auto-lock system is integrated into the outboard apertures of the lower castings of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system includes a locking mechanism which is configured to recess when the container is lowered onto a surface lacking an acceptable receiving aperture. The locking mechanism is also configured to automatically lock when placed on top of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system is configured to be compatible with international sized container by allowing the inboard apertures on each lower casting to be available for attaching the domestic container on top of an international container with a conventional locking device.