Impact-Absorbing Container Neck and Shoulder Structure for Shipping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging systems for containers, such as those used for fluids or gels, often require additional secondary or tertiary packaging to protect the containers during transport, which increases shipping costs and inefficiencies, especially when shipping small quantities.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring shoulders and impact absorbing regions, including axial, transverse, and oblique regions, to withstand forces during transport, reducing the need for additional packaging materials and enhancing structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional shipping containers are used, then cargo storage is provided, but security vulnerabilities exist allowing unauthorized access and tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the cargo container is integrated within the shipping container body, and the locking mechanism is nested within the container walls. The cargo container fits into a cavity formed by inwardly directed walls, creating a hierarchical nested arrangement that enhances security while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cargo container, locking mechanism, and shipping container body into a single integrated structure. The locking mechanism is combined with the container walls, and the cargo container is merged with the internal cavity structure, eliminating separate security components and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If cargo containers are made secure against unauthorized access, then security is improved, but access control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a lever arm that automatically engages or disengages based on the position of a movable wall. The system uses the mechanical movement of cargo loading/unloading to automatically trigger the locking or unlocking action, eliminating the need for manual security operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates a movable wall and lever arm that dynamically change position based on operational needs. The lever arm rotates between locked and unlocked positions, and the movable wall shifts to accommodate cargo while automatically triggering the locking mechanism, providing adaptive security control.
3Ease of manufacture
If container structures are simplified, then manufacturing ease is improved, but security features may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shipping container body serves multiple functions: it provides the external protective shell, creates the internal cavity for the cargo container, incorporates the locking mechanism, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate security components while maintaining comprehensive security features.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is segmented into distinct functional zones: the external shipping container body, the internal cargo container, the locking mechanism with lever arm, and the movable wall. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes and then assembled, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining security integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A container has a container body extending along a longitudinal axis from a bottom end to a top end. The container body may define an internal cavity for holding a substance. The container body may include one or more shoulders, such as a first and/or second shoulder (e.g., axial shoulder). The shoulders may be located at the top end of the container. The container may include a neck located (e.g., nesting) between the first and second axial shoulder. The neck may be configured to accept a closure device. The neck may have an inner surface that defines a passageway into the internal cavity. The container may include one or more impact absorbing regions, such as a first axial impact absorbing region. The first axial impact absorbing region may be configured to absorb an axial force applied to the first axial shoulder and/or the second axial shoulder.