Glass Shipping Container Floor Support Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass shipping containers face issues with glass sheets shifting during transit, leading to wear on the container and potential damage, due to inadequate support and haphazard banding, which reduces the lifespan of both the container and the glass.
Innovation Solution
A glass shipping container design featuring a floor support mechanism with foam rails and an inclined back support mechanism, constructed from wooden members and corrugated cardboard, that facilitates secure loading and distribution of weight, allowing for improved stacking and reduced wear on the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If glass sheets are placed directly on the bottom pallet, then the container structure is simplified, but localized induced weight stresses shorten the expected lifespan of the bottom pallet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces floor support members as intermediary elements between the glass sheets and the bottom pallet. These members distribute the weight of the glass sheets across multiple contact points on the pallet, preventing localized stress concentration that would otherwise shorten the pallet's lifespan. The floor support members act as a mediator that transfers loads more evenly throughout the container structure.
2Volume of stationary object
If glass sheets are shipped in an upright position to save space, then warehouse stacking efficiency is improved, but the propensity for glass sheets to shift during transit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates back support members and side support members that are pre-positioned to contact the glass sheets before shipping begins. These support members create a preliminary constraint system that prevents glass sheets from shifting during transit, even when shipped in upright positions for optimal warehouse stacking. The support structure is prepared in advance to maintain glass stability throughout the shipping process.
3Quantity of substance
If the container is loaded with windshields, then shipping capacity is maximized, but access for routing banding becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the container structure into segmented components, including removable side walls and modular support members. This segmentation allows workers to access the interior of the container for routing banding around glass sheets, even when the container is fully loaded. The segmented design provides multiple access points and flexible configuration options that maintain ease of operation while maximizing shipping capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A container for transporting glass sheets includes a bottom structure having a front edge and a back wall and first and second side walls extending upwardly from the bottom structure. The container also includes a floor support mechanism coupled to the bottom structure. The floor support mechanism includes a floor support member extending substantially horizontally from the back wall a first distance proximate to the front edge of the bottom structure. The floor support mechanism also includes a foam rail support member coupled to the floor support member. The foam rail support member extends substantially horizontally from the back wall a second distance proximate to the front edge of the bottom structure. The floor support mechanism further includes a foam rail coupled to the foam rail support member. The foam rail extends substantially horizontally from approximately the back wall a third distance that is less than the second distance.