Folding Shipping Container Asymmetric Hinge System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shipping containers are bulky and expensive to transport when empty, as they cannot be compactly folded or disassembled, and previous folding designs are cumbersome or hinder access to the interior space.
Innovation Solution
A folding container design that allows for a base with side and rear panels to be pivotally attached, enabling the container to be folded into a compact flat configuration for shipping and easily assembled on-site, with a hinge system that ensures the panels fold without interference and maintains access through the doors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid shipping containers are used to ensure structural strength and durability, then the container maintains reliability and strength, but the container occupies large volume and is expensive to transport when empty
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple panels (front panel, rear panel, side panels) that can be independently folded. Each panel is hinged to the base, allowing the container to be segmented for compact folding while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The container transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic folding structure. The panels are designed to pivot between vertical and horizontal positions, enabling the container to change its volume configuration from fully assembled to compact folded state while maintaining reliability.
2Volume of moving object
If folding end panels are added to enable compact folding, then the container can be flattened for shipping, but the folding panels interfere with each other and prevent flat packing
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge blocks are positioned asymmetrically relative to the base, with specific offset distances from the side panels. This asymmetric positioning ensures that when panels fold, they follow non-conflicting paths that prevent interference between adjacent panels, enabling flat packing.
Solution Approach 2:
Hinge blocks serve as intermediary components between the base and the folding panels. These hinge blocks provide a controlled pivot point that mediates the folding motion, ensuring panels fold smoothly without interfering with each other's path.
3Strength
If large bottom lips are added to end panel doors for structural support, then the container maintains strength, but the bottom lips prevent loading and unloading of cargo
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding large bottom lips throughout, the invention uses localized reinforcement through hinge blocks positioned at specific distances from the side panels. This provides necessary structural support only where needed, without creating obstacles for cargo loading and unloading.
4Ease of manufacture
If panels are pivotally attached to enable folding, then the container can be assembled and disassembled easily, but the hinge system adds complexity to the design
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system is segmented into discrete hinge blocks, each independently attached to the base. This modular approach simplifies the overall hinge system complexity, as each block is a standardized component that can be manufactured and installed separately, facilitating ease of assembly and disassembly.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of assembling a folding container. A base comprising a floor is provided, and at least two side panels are attached to the base. A rear panel is pivotally attached to the base, wherein the rear panel is operable to pivot between a folded position that contacts the floor and a vertically deployed position. A hinge block is attached to the base. A front panel comprising a front door is pivotally attached to the hinge block, wherein the front panel is operable to pivot between a folded position that contacts the front panel and a vertically deployed position.