Container Joining System with Twistlocks and Sealing Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container joining systems for logistics and transport are insufficient in allowing two standard containers to be combined into a single larger container with enhanced mechanical properties and shared loading space, while maintaining security and weatherproofing.
Innovation Solution
A container joining system that uses four corner twistlocks, internal sealing plates, and electronic identification systems to combine two standard containers back-to-back, ensuring mechanical integrity and security, with collapsible doors and automatic numbering adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If standard twistlock fixing means are used to join two containers, then the containers can be positioned and secured, but the mechanical strength is insufficient to work with the joined containers as a single container with double length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fixing means (twistlocks at corners plus additional fixing mechanisms along the longitudinal edges) to create a unified joining system. This merging of multiple fixation points and methods provides the necessary mechanical strength to treat joined containers as a single unit while distributing the structural load across the entire joining interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The joining system is segmented into multiple independent fixing points: four corner twistlocks and additional fixing mechanisms distributed along the longitudinal edges. This segmentation allows each component to bear specific portions of the mechanical load, collectively achieving the required strength without requiring any single component to be overly complex.
2Reliability
If two containers are joined using standard fixing means, then the containers remain in position, but the interior is not protected from weathering and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sealing elements (flexible membranes or films) that conform to the joining interface between containers. These sealing films create a continuous protective barrier across the longitudinal edges and corners, preventing water, weather, and unauthorized access while maintaining the position stability provided by the mechanical fixing means.
3Ease of operation
If containers are joined back to back with doors at both ends, then loading space is accessible, but the door structure affects the loading space or useful section
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements collapsible doors that can be folded or retracted along the longitudinal edges of the joined container. This dynamic door structure allows the doors to be collapsed during loading operations to maximize the useful loading space, while still providing secure access when opened. The doors can be locked in various positions to accommodate different operational requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
System for joining containers for a first container (1) with doors at the front and rear thereof and a second container (2) with at least one door at the rear thereof, attached by the smaller sides, which comprises four hooks (3) on the four corners of the containers (1, 2), a plurality of sheets (4, 5) on the interior edge at the rear of the containers (1, 2) fixable to both and which cover the entire interior perimeter of the containers (1, 2), and means for adjusting the identification number of the containers (1, 2). The means for adjusting the identification number can comprise a series of electronic screens (101, 102) on each container (1, 2) with two control units (102, 202), power sources, and communication means between the control units (102, 202) and optionally a contact (103, 203) in the support area of a sheet (4, 5).