Modular Cargo Storage With Dovetail-Locking Container Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container systems lack effective mechanisms to securely hold items in place, often relying on manual placement and tie-downs like bungee cords, which can lead to items shifting during transport.
Innovation Solution
A modular container system with angled walls forming dovetail joints for secure attachment, allowing modular containers to slide into and lock onto supporting surfaces, and a ratchet system for controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual placement and tie-downs are used to hold items, then items can be secured, but items may still shift during transport and the system lacks stability
Solution Approach 1:
The container system provides self-service securing through dovetail joints that automatically engage when containers are stacked or placed together. The angled walls create mechanical interlocking that secures items without requiring manual tie-downs or additional securing operations, while maintaining ease of placement through simple drop-in or stack actions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed compartments are used for specific items, then item organization is improved, but the system loses flexibility and adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the cargo space into multiple standardized container modules that can be independently manufactured and then combined in various configurations. Each container is a discrete unit with standardized dovetail interfaces, allowing flexible arrangement to create different compartment layouts without requiring custom-designed fixed compartments for each item type.
Solution Approach 2:
The dovetail joint design provides universal compatibility across all container modules, allowing the same basic container design to serve multiple functions and be arranged in various configurations. The standardized interface enables containers to be stacked, joined side-by-side, or arranged in different patterns to accommodate different cargo organization needs without requiring different container designs.
3Reliability
If tie-downs with tension are used to secure items, then items are held in place, but the system becomes complex and time-consuming to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The dovetail joint mechanism provides self-service securing where the mechanical interlocking automatically engages when containers are properly positioned relative to each other. The angled walls create a self-locking effect that secures items through the structural connection itself, eliminating the need for separate tie-down operations and reducing securing time to simply the action of placing or stacking containers.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular container system includes a support surface. A first wall and second wall are attached to the support surface and project outward at an acute angle from the support surface. A container module includes a compartment. A third wall and fourth wall are project inward at an acute angle from the exterior surface of the container module. The third wall and the fourth wall are arranged in a dovetail joint relationship with the first wall and second wall. In another embodiment a plurality of wall projections project out from the sidewalls at an acute angle. A removable container module includes angled sides. The angled sides are configured to slide down in between two separate instances of wall projections.