Foldable Shipping Container With Hinged Side Panels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 container designs are not compatible with standard containers, making them impractical for widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
A foldable cargo container design featuring horizontal, rigid unitary roof and base panels with vertically hinged side panels that pivot inward, allowing for easy folding and unfolding without requiring assembly or disassembly of loose parts, and incorporating vertical posts for structural integrity and compatibility with standard containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If foldable container designs are implemented, then space utilization for empty containers is improved, but compatibility with standard containers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container design incorporates universal corner castings and coupling devices that match standard container specifications, allowing the foldable container to function both as a standalone unit and as part of standard container stacks, thereby maintaining compatibility while achieving foldability
2Volume of moving object
If foldable container designs are implemented, then space utilization for empty containers is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into rigid base and roof sections with hinged side panels, allowing the structure to maintain strength in critical areas while enabling folding in designated sections
Solution Approach 2:
The side panels incorporate hinges and locking mechanisms that allow the structure to dynamically transition between folded and unfolded states while maintaining structural integrity in both configurations
3Volume of moving object
If complex folding mechanisms are added to enable folding, then ease of operation deteriorates, but space utilization improves
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates self-latching corner castings and automatic locking mechanisms that engage when panels are folded into position, eliminating the need for manual fastening operations and simplifying the folding process
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 design enables efficient space utilization for empty containers, reduces handling costs, and maintains structural integrity and compatibility with existing standard containers, making it a practical solution for the shipping industry.
Implementation Method 1
a first hinge member (31a, 31b) rigidly connected to the lower surface (615, 616) of the corner fitting (36a) and the roof right edge (19)
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 having ways for controlling the rate at which the panels collapse.