Folding Container With Hinged Panels for Standard Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable cargo containers are not compatible with standard containers, and their folding mechanisms are complex, making them impractical for widespread adoption.

Innovation Solution

A foldable container design with hinged panels and side beams, featuring latch systems, tracks, and alignment tabs, allowing for simple and effective folding and unfolding using common equipment, while maintaining compatibility with standard containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If foldable container designs incorporate structural features for folding capability, then space efficiency when empty is improved, but compatibility with standard containers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupancy when emptyVSAvoidcompatibility with standard containers

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into multiple panels (front panel, rear panel, side panels, roof panels, floor panels) that can be independently hinged and folded. This segmentation allows the container to collapse into a compact configuration while maintaining the ability to interface with standard container handling infrastructure through standardized corner castings and coupling devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The foldable container incorporates universal corner castings and coupling devices that enable it to interface with both foldable and standard non-foldable containers. This multi-functionality allows the container to be handled by existing container handling equipment and stacked in standard container configurations, thereby maintaining compatibility with standard container infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If foldable container designs incorporate complex folding mechanisms, then folding capability is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupancy when emptyVSAvoidsimplicity of folding and unfolding

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge-beam structures are nested within the container framework, with hinges integrated into the corner castings and beams positioned within the panel assemblies. This nesting eliminates the need for external folding mechanisms and allows the container to be folded using simple manual manipulation of the integrated hinge structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The container incorporates spring-loaded latch mechanisms that automatically engage and disengage during the folding and unfolding process. The springs provide the necessary force to overcome friction and guide the panels through their folding sequence, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If foldable container designs use non-standard structural features, then folding efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The container panels and beams are constructed using uniform corrugated metal sections with consistent thickness and material properties. This homogeneity simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing standardized production methods to be applied across all components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining structural integrity during folding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

Solution Approach 2:

The container employs composite construction combining corrugated metal panels with integrated hinge-beam structures made from the same or similar materials. This composite approach allows for simplified manufacturing through integrated fabrication processes while maintaining the folding efficiency required for space-saving empty container transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 efficient space-saving folding of empty containers, reducing transportation costs and space occupancy, and ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure.

Implementation Method 1

a front panel and an opposing door panel, each of the front panel and the door panel hingedly connected to solely the roof panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP4631884A1Folding container

Publication Date: 2025.10.15 COMPACT CONTAINER SYSTEMS LLC

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AI summary

A foldable container adjustable between an unfolded condition and a folded condition comprises a roof panel and an opposing base panel, a front panel and an opposing door panel which are each hingedly connected to solely the roof panel, a right side panel and an opposing left side panel, a right side roof skirt and an opposing left side roof skirt, a left side compound beam and a right side compound beam extending from the base panel, and a left side hinge-beam structure and a right side hinge-beam structure each having a hinge point. The right side panel and the left side panel are hingedly coupled to their respective hinge-beam structures at the hinge points. The hinge points lie in different horizontal planes. The right side panel and the left side panel couple to their respective roof skirts at roof skirt interior points.