Modular Container System Segmentation for Transport Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of transporting empty containers and the resulting stockpiling in one location while creating shortages in another due to the inability to efficiently reutilize them after delivery.
Innovation Solution
A modular container system comprising elongate structural members, connecting members, and plates with engagement members and fastening portions, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly to reduce volume for transportation and adapt to various needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If containers are transported empty to locations where they are needed, then container availability at destination is improved, but transportation costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is divided into separable components including structural members, connecting members, and plates that can be disassembled and transported independently or in compact configurations, reducing the volume and cost of empty container transportation while maintaining the ability to reassemble functional containers at destination
2Productivity
If containers are designed for constant use without disassembly, then operational efficiency is maintained, but adaptability to different uses and locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The container system incorporates dynamic characteristics through its modular design with standardized connecting members and engagement mechanisms, allowing the structure to transition between assembled operational state and disassembled storage/transport state, providing both operational efficiency and adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If containers are made modular and disassemblable, then adaptability and reusability are improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container system employs universal connecting members and standardized engagement mechanisms that can be used across different container configurations and locations, simplifying the overall structure despite modularity by using repeated standardized components rather than custom connections for each module
Data Source
AI summary
A container/building system comprising; at least one elongate structural member at least one connecting member, the connecting member able to be realisably connected to the structural member and at least one plate that is able to realisably engage with at least one structural member.