Jointed Member for Reversibly Foldable Freight Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Freight containers face inefficiencies due to their fixed volume, leading to increased transportation costs and environmental impact when empty, as they occupy the same space whether loaded or not, and existing folding mechanisms compromise structural integrity and compliance with ISO standards during folding.

Innovation Solution

A reversibly foldable jointed member that connects elongate sections with oblong openings and a fastener, allowing for relative movement and rotation to transition from an unfolded to a folded state without expanding beyond the defined maximum length or width, maintaining structural integrity and compliance with ISO standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If freight containers are made fixed in volume, then structural integrity is maintained, but transportation efficiency decreases when containers are empty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransportation efficiencyVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The container body is divided into multiple collapsible sections that can be segmented and folded independently, allowing the container to transition from a rigid monolithic structure to a flexible segmented structure capable of compression and folding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container transitions from a static fixed-volume structure to a dynamic reconfigurable structure that can change its volume and shape between expanded and collapsed states through the folding mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If folding mechanisms are added to containers, then volume reduction is achieved, but structural integrity and ISO compliance are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer volumeVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The folding mechanism is integrated through segmentation of the container walls into collapsible panels connected by hinges, allowing volume reduction while maintaining structural coherence through the segmented design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collapsible container panels are designed to nest within each other during the folding process, with inner panels fitting into outer panels, achieving compact volume reduction while maintaining structural integrity through nested configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Volume of moving object

If containers are folded to smaller volume, then storage efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidfolding mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge connections serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as structural joints maintaining rigidity in the expanded state, and as folding pivots enabling collapse to compact volume, reducing the need for separate mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11332922B2Jointed member

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 KOCHANOWSKI GEORGE E

AI summary

A jointed member may include a first elongate section having a surface defining a first oblong opening, a second elongate section having a surface defining a second oblong opening, and a fastener passing through the first oblong opening and the second opening to connect the first elongate section and the second elongate section, where the first oblong opening and the second oblong opening move relative each other and the fastener as the jointed member transitions from a first predetermined state towards a second predetermined state.