Intermodal Container With Folding Stanchions for Mixed Cargo

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intermodal containers are cumbersome and limited in versatility, requiring special adaptations for specific types of goods and lacking flexibility in handling and securing various products, especially oblong elements like pipes or rods.

Innovation Solution

An intermodal container with a floor frame, openable side walls, and folding stanchions, equipped with ISO 1161 corners and TwistLock catches, allowing secure transport of diverse loads by rail and road, and enabling stacking and handling with forklifts or Reach Stackers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed cradles or stanchions are permanently installed on platforms, then specific types of goods can be securely transported, but the platform becomes cumbersome and can only carry a single type of material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring capabilityVSAvoidhandling flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into modular components: a base container body with standardized corners, separate folding stanchions, and detachable securing mechanisms. This segmentation allows the container to be reconfigured for different cargo types while maintaining secure fastening capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stanchions are designed to fold and unfold, transitioning between a compact state for transport and an extended state for securing cargo. This dynamic structure enables the container to adapt its configuration based on the type of goods being transported, whether boxes, pipes, or other materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If specialized platforms with fixed structures are used for specific materials, then secure transport is achieved, but handling requires special cranes or hoist grips increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport securityVSAvoidhandling equipment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container incorporates ISO 1161 corners that serve multiple functions: they provide structural reinforcement, enable stacking, and interface with standard handling equipment like forklifts and Reach Stackers. This universal design eliminates the need for specialized handling equipment while maintaining secure transport capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The container's own structure, with its reinforced corners and folding stanchions, provides the securing and handling functions that would otherwise require external specialized equipment. The container essentially serves its own securing and handling needs through its integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If intermodal containers are designed for general use, then versatility is improved, but they lack specialized features to prevent sliding and securing of specific product types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct type flexibilityVSAvoidsliding prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The container applies different structural features to different locations: reinforced corners at vertices for stacking and handling, folding stanchions along the sides for securing longitudinal elements, and a strengthened floor frame for supporting various cargo types. Each local feature addresses the specific securing needs of different cargo configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4635876A1Intermodal container
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 ECCO RAIL SP ZOO
  • EP4635876A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4635876A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4635876A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The subject of the invention is an intermodal container comprising a floor frame (6), front and rear walls (7) and openable side walls (8). The container is characterised by the fact that on the floor frame (6) there are seats (3) for mounting the intermodal pallets equipped with catches (4) and, in addition, at the sides of the floor frame (6) there are folding stanchions (5).