Expandable Roll-Off Container for Damaged EV Thermal Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roll-off containers are inadequate for accommodating larger electrified vehicles, such as industrial vehicles and buses, due to their fixed dimensions and inability to prevent thermal drift of battery packs during storage.
Innovation Solution
An expandable container design with transverse and longitudinal extensions, using hydraulic or electro-hydraulic actuators to accommodate larger vehicles, and a gasket system for sealing, along with a tow rope mechanism for vehicle entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-size ISO containers are used, then manufacturing and handling are simplified, but they cannot accommodate larger electrified vehicles such as industrial vehicles and buses
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two main portions (first and second portions) that can slide relative to each other in the transverse direction. This segmentation allows the container to expand or contract its width to accommodate different vehicle sizes while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The container transitions from a static fixed-size structure to a dynamic expandable structure. The two portions can slide relative to each other to change the container width, and hydraulic jacks provide controlled movement. This dynamic capability enables the container to adapt to various vehicle dimensions while maintaining structural integrity through proper sealing mechanisms
2Area of stationary object
If container width is increased to accommodate larger vehicles, then vehicle storage capability is improved, but the container exceeds standard ISO dimensions and requires special vehicle transport
Solution Approach 1:
The container width is made dynamic rather than fixed. The two portions can slide relative to each other to adjust the container width, allowing it to expand to accommodate larger vehicles and then contract to standard ISO dimensions for transport. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by providing both large storage capability and ease of transport logistics
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second portions are arranged such that one can slide inside or alongside the other, creating a nested or overlapping configuration. This nesting approach allows the container to compact to a smaller transportable size while maintaining the capability to expand to larger dimensions for vehicle storage
3Adaptability or versatility
If the container is made expandable, then adaptability to different vehicle sizes is improved, but the structural complexity and sealing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A gasket is introduced as an intermediary sealing element between the first and second portions of the container. This gasket ensures hydraulic seal integrity when the portions slide relative to each other during expansion and contraction, maintaining reliability while enabling adaptability to different vehicle sizes
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic jacks are used to control the sliding movement of the two container portions. The hydraulic system provides controlled, reliable movement while maintaining seal integrity through proper pressure management and sealing mechanisms integrated with the gasket system
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
Enables safe storage of larger electrified vehicles by preventing thermal drift and accommodating vehicles up to 3 meters wide, while maintaining a secure and sealed environment.
Implementation Method 1
The extension and maintenance of the condition of complete extension is obtained by means of two or more hydraulic jacks interposed between the two portions of the container
Implementation Method 2
the folded portions of the edges compress a gasket providing a hydraulic seal
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A roll-off container (C) for the treatment of damaged vehicles, in particular damaged electrified vehicles, comprising a bottom (F) and several perimeter walls (WL, FWL, RWL) that define a volume (A) for receiving a damaged vehicle ( V) and in which the container has a longitudinal shape defining a longitudinal direction (X) with a pair of side walls (WL), a front wall (FWL) and a rear wall (RWL) which defines a closable opening for transferring the vehicle damaged inside or outside the receiving volume (A), the container being characterized by being extensible in a direction transverse to said longitudinal direction.