Foldable Shipping Container With Hinged Panels And Corner Posts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The shipping industry faces economic losses due to the need to transport empty cargo containers, which occupy valuable space and incur handling costs, and existing foldable containers are not compatible with standard containers, making their implementation impractical.
Innovation Solution
A foldable, enclosed shipping container with a design that includes flat, horizontal roof and base panels, vertical side panels hingedly connected to the base, and corner posts allowing for easy folding and unfolding, ensuring compatibility with standard containers without requiring assembly or disassembly of loose parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If foldable containers are designed to reduce space occupancy during transport, then space efficiency is improved, but compatibility with standard containers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into modular components including corner posts, side panels, end panels, roof panels, and floor panels that can be segmented for folding while maintaining standard external dimensions. This segmentation allows the container to fold into a compact configuration for empty transport while preserving compatibility with standard container handling systems when in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable container is designed with universal features including standard corner fittings, interlocking mechanisms, and dimensional specifications that enable it to function both as a operational shipping container and as a space-efficient folded unit. The design allows it to interface with standard container handles, lifting equipment, and stacking systems.
2Ease of operation
If foldable containers are designed with complex structural features to enable folding, then foldability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates dynamic hinge connections between panels that enable smooth folding and unfolding motions. These hinges are positioned at corner posts and along panel edges, allowing the structure to transition between rigid operational state and compact folded state while maintaining structural integrity throughout the transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
When folded, the container panels nest within each other in a compact configuration where side panels fold against end panels, and roof/floor panels fold against side panels. This nesting arrangement achieves maximum space efficiency while using simple hinge connections rather than complex mechanisms.
3Reliability
If standard non-foldable containers are transported empty, then structural integrity is maintained, but space efficiency and cost effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic foldable structure that can adapt its volume. When loaded, the container maintains its full rigid structure for strength and stability. When empty, the container can be folded into a compact configuration for efficient return transport, eliminating the need to sacrifice space while maintaining structural integrity during operational use.
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 solution reduces space occupancy during transport of empty containers, maintains structural integrity, and allows for seamless integration with existing standard containers, thereby reducing costs and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first hinge member (31) rigidly connected to the roof panel (11) and the front panel (12), and a second hinge member (32) rigidly connected to the roof panel (11) and the rear panel (13)
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable shipping container adjustable between an unfolded condition in which said container is suitable for use as a cargo container, and a folded condition for when said container is not being used to store or ship cargo. The foldable shipping container comprises a roof panel, a base panel, a door panel, a front panel, a right side panel, and a left side panel where the door panel and front panel are hingedly connected to the roof panel while the right side panel and left side panel are hingedly connected to the base panel.