Hybrid Cargo Container With Deployable Corner Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo containers with chamfered corners are not stackable and require specialized racks for storage, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs in intermodal transport, especially when transitioning between ground and air transportation.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid cargo container system with a chamfered container body and a corner support assembly that can be switched between a deployed position for supporting other containers on ground vehicles and a stowed position for aircraft storage, allowing efficient transfer between transportation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If cargo containers are designed with chamfered corners to fit aircraft fuselages, then space utilization in aircraft is improved, but the containers cannot be stacked on each other for ground transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The corner support assembly is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions. When extended, it provides planar support surfaces enabling stacking for ground transportation. When retracted, it minimizes protrusion to allow fitting within chamfered aircraft fuselages. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between stackability and aircraft space utilization.
2Volume of moving object
If chamfered containers are used for airborne transport, then aircraft space utilization is improved, but specialized racks are required for storage increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The corner support assembly serves multiple functions: it provides stacking support for ground transportation, enables direct placement in aircraft without specialized racks, and can be configured in different positions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized racks, reducing device complexity while maintaining aircraft space utilization.
3Stability of the object's composition
If containers are designed for ground transportation with flat tops for stacking, then stackability is improved, but they do not efficiently utilize aircraft fuselage space
Solution Approach 1:
The corner support assembly can be extended to provide flat stacking surfaces for ground transportation, then retracted to allow the container to conform to the curved aircraft fuselage. This dynamic adjustment enables the same container to optimize for both ground stacking and aircraft space utilization without compromise.
4Adaptability or versatility
If chamfered containers are used for air transport, then aircraft compatibility is improved, but handling and unpacking costs increase due to separate container systems
Solution Approach 1:
The corner support assembly enables the container to function in both ground and air transport modes using the same container body. Goods remain in the same container throughout the journey, eliminating transfer and unpacking operations. This universality reduces handling time and costs while maintaining aircraft compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a hybrid cargo container system for use with ground transportation vehicles and air transportation vehicles is disclosed. The cargo container system includes a chamfered container body comprising a plurality of sidewalls defining a storage chamber, the plurality of sidewalls comprising a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a chamfer sidewall attached to the first and second sidewalls. The cargo container system also includes a corner support assembly operably coupled to the chamfered container body. The corner support assembly is operable between a stowed position and a deployed position. Based on the corner support assembly being in the deployed position, the corner support assembly is configured to at least partially support another container stacked thereon for ground transportation, and based on the corner support assembly being in the stowed position, the cargo container system is configured to be stored in a fuselage of an aircraft for air transportation.