Inner Corner Connector Sealing for Insulated Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Insulated shipping containers face issues with heat and vapor leakage due to gaps at rivet connections between panels, which degrade over time and require specialized tools for installation, failing to maintain a consistent thermal barrier during transport.
Innovation Solution
An inner corner connector with a horizontal base and flexible flaps that press against panels to create a thermal and moisture barrier, maintaining sealing properties even with panel flexure, and can be easily installed without specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional metal connectors with rivets are used to secure panels, then structural strength is improved, but sealing performance deteriorates due to gaps at rivet connections
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: rigid base sections for structural attachment and flexible flaps for sealing. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function - the rigid portions provide strength while the flexible portions maintain continuous contact for sealing without rivet gaps
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates dynamic flexibility through the flexible flaps that can deform with panel movement while maintaining sealing contact. This dynamic adaptation prevents gap formation during transport flexure, unlike static rigid connectors that create persistent sealing weaknesses at fastener locations
2Strength
If rigid mechanical connection is used to secure panels, then installation strength is improved, but adaptability to panel flexure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from purely rigid to dynamically adaptive by incorporating flexible flaps that deform with panel movement. The rigid base maintains installation strength through secure attachment while the flexible portions adapt continuously to panel flexure, preventing seal degradation over time
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes changes in material properties and structural flexibility parameters. The flexible flaps are designed with specific elasticity parameters that allow them to deform within acceptable ranges during transport while maintaining sealing pressure, adapting to varying panel positions without compromising the connection
3Reliability
If specialized clamping tools and rivets are used for installation, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for specialized riveting tools and complex clamping equipment. The connector is designed to be installed using simple fastening methods, removing the dependency on specialized installation tools while maintaining connection reliability through the inherent design of the flexible sealing flaps
Solution Approach 2:
The connector appears to use simpler, more economical fastening methods replacing expensive specialized riveting equipment. The design favors ease of installation with standard tools, accepting that the connector may be replaced rather than permanently fixed, thereby simplifying the manufacturing and installation process
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The inner corner connector effectively seals gaps between panels, maintaining thermal insulation and resisting deformation during transport, while simplifying the installation process and enhancing the overall sealing performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least two flexible flaps that are configured to press against the inner plate of a second panel
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an improved inner corner connector adapted to be secured at the intersections of container panels, such as walls, floors, and roofs. The inner corner connector includes a substantially horizontal base section with at least two substantially rigid flanges extending downward from the base section. The flanges are substantially parallel to each other and are spaced such that the resilient inner plate of a first panel snuggly fits between the two flanges. Extending upwards from the horizontal base are at least two flexible flaps that are configured to press against the inner plate of a second panel to create a thermal and moisture barrier at the intersection of the two panels.