Hard Plastic Storage Cover With Integrated Sub-Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wooden storage and transport containers face issues with weatherproofing and durability due to fabric covers that are prone to tearing and abrasion from handling and contact with fork lifts, leading to short lifespans.
Innovation Solution
A hard plastic cover assembly with integrated sub-frame and flexible hinge sections for sidewalls, designed for forklift handling and providing a weatherproof seal, which can be used alone or combined with fabric or plastic sidewalls to enhance durability and rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fabric cover is used to weatherize the container, then the container is protected from rain and snow, but the cover is prone to tearing and abrasion from forklift handling and contact with other containers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure combining a rigid plastic cover body with flexible fabric or plastic sidewalls attached to it. The rigid cap provides durability and forklift handling capability, while the flexible sidewalls provide weather protection and conformability to the container, resolving the contradiction between protection and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from purely flexible fabric to a hybrid structure with rigid plastic components. The rigid plastic cap portion resists forklift handling stresses and tearing, while maintaining the weatherproofing function through its sealed construction.
2Reliability
If a hard plastic cover is used to improve durability and weatherproofing, then the container is better protected against handling stresses and elements, but the cover may be more difficult to install and maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into a rigid plastic cap portion and flexible sidewall portions that can be attached separately. The rigid cap can be handled by forklift using integrated tine receiving channels, while the flexible sidewalls can be attached afterward, combining ease of installation with durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible sidewalls act as intermediaries between the rigid plastic cap and the container body. They provide a transition zone that allows the rigid cap to be installed first (easier to maneuver), then the flexible sidewalls are attached to complete the weatherproof seal.
3Strength
If a rigid cover structure is used to withstand forklift handling, then the cover can be stacked and indexed vertically, but the cover may lack flexibility to conform to container shapes and accommodate access points
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into a rigid plastic cap for structural strength and stacking capability, and flexible sidewall portions that can be configured to accommodate hinged walls, doors, and other container features, achieving both rigidity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible sidewall portions provide dynamic adaptability to conform to different container configurations and access points, while the rigid plastic cap maintains structural integrity for stacking and vertical indexing in warehouse environments.
Data Source
AI summary
Molded plastic cover pieces and mating fabric or hard-side sidewall panel assemblies are disclosed for mounting over a storage container. The cover piece provides several raised rails at perimeter edges and rails defining tine receiving lifting channels that contain sub-frame members that stiffen the cover and facilitate attachment of the cover and side walls to form a complete cover assembly. Single panel and thermally bonded multi-panel cover assemblies are disclosed. Bracing members and/or embossed surfaces at the rails and tine receiving channel cover pieces strengthen the covers and direct water runoff Fabric or expansible hinges provide flexible transitions at intersecting sidewall corners. Alternative cover assemblies provide lifting towers, panels with tine receiving apertures or interconnected tension members.