Driveway defender for containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for protecting ground surfaces from roll-off containers are cumbersome, take up space, and are not durable, making them difficult to transport and store, and they often require precise alignment with the container supports, which is time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A heptagonal sleeve connected to a base, designed to fit over the rollers of roll-off containers, which distributes the weight of the container away from the ground, preventing damage and allowing for easy alignment and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional wood pieces are placed under container rollers, then some surface protection is provided, but the device is cumbersome and takes up space for transportation and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into two functional parts: a base portion for ground contact and a sleeve portion for roller engagement. This segmentation allows the device to be more compact and easier to store while maintaining both protection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is designed to fit over the container roller, with the roller nesting inside the sleeve structure. This nested configuration reduces the overall volume required for transportation and storage compared to separate support elements.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional pads are used to protect surfaces, then surface area coverage is increased, but the pads are difficult to align precisely with container supports
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the support pad wait on the ground for the container to be positioned over it, the sleeve is inverted to actively engage the roller from above. The lip portions of the sleeve reach upward to catch and center the roller, automatically aligning the support with the container weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve structure with its upward-reaching lip portions automatically centers itself on the roller as the container is placed. The geometry of the lip portions working with the roller shape creates self-alignment without requiring operator intervention for precise positioning.
3Strength
If rigid supports are used to prevent surface damage, then durability is improved, but the supports may still cause concentrated pressure on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is designed with a cylindrical shell structure that can slightly deform under load, distributing pressure more evenly across the contact area. The lip portions flex to accommodate the roller while maintaining engagement, preventing stress concentration points.
Solution Approach 2:
The support transitions from a two-dimensional flat pad to a three-dimensional cylindrical sleeve that wraps around the roller. This dimensional change allows the load to be distributed around the circumference of the roller, increasing the effective contact area and reducing pressure concentration on the ground surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A container support for engaging and abutting a roller of a container for ground protection. A heptagonal sleeve is connected to a base, the sleeve including a medial section, a pair of angled portions, each angled portion upstanding angularly from the medial section, each angled portion transitioning into a vertical portion, and each vertical portion transitioning into a lip portion, thereby forming a pair of lip portions, wherein each lip portion angles toward a geometric center of the sleeve. As such, the lip portion is adapted to engage and abut a roller of a container. Further included are a pair of handles, each handle connected to the distal section at the base front edge, and each handle connected to the exterior surface of the sleeve. Each handle is generally rectangular and has a slot defined therein to aid in grasping and placement of the container support.