Modular Transport Rack for Vacuum-Insulated Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transport systems for temperature-sensitive goods face challenges with inflexibility regarding container size, risk of damage and personal injury during handling, and inefficient use of vacuum-insulated containers.

Innovation Solution

A transport frame with interconnected frame elements, movable fastening means, and adjustable mounting arms to secure containers, allowing flexible adaptation to various sizes and improved stability and safety during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If custom-made or welded transport racks are used to fix containers, then container stability during transport is improved, but flexibility regarding different container sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer stabilityVSAvoidflexibility regarding container sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transport rack is divided into modular frame elements that can be assembled in different configurations. The frame consists of vertical elements, horizontal elements, and base elements that can be combined to create racks of various sizes, allowing the same modular components to serve multiple container dimensions while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame elements are designed with universal features such as standardized connection points, adjustable mounting arms, and interchangeable fastening means. These universal components can be configured to accommodate different container types and sizes, eliminating the need for custom-made racks for each container dimension.

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

2Ease of operation

If containers are transported on pallets using forklifts, then ease of handling is improved, but risk of damage and personal injury deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of handlingVSAvoidrisk of damage and personal injury
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transport system separates the container securing function from the pallet structure. Containers are individually secured to dedicated frame elements within the rack, rather than being stacked on unstable pallet configurations. This segmentation allows for more controlled and safer handling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transport rack incorporates pre-assembled frame structures with integrated fastening means that secure containers before transport begins. This preliminary securing prevents unexpected tipping and center of gravity shifts during handling, eliminating the need for reactive safety measures during forklift operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Temperature

If vacuum insulation elements are used for thermal insulation, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transport rack frame elements serve multiple functions: structural support, container securing, and integration with vacuum insulation elements. The same vertical and horizontal frame elements provide both mechanical stability and thermal insulation mounting, reducing overall system complexity despite the addition of vacuum insulation technology.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4196400B1Transport rack for securing a receptacle
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 ENVIROTAINER AG
  • EP4196400B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4196400B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4196400B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Disclosed is a transport rack (1) for securing a receptacle (101) in a transport container (102), said transport rack (1) comprising a plurality of interconnected frame elements (2) which are arranged so as to form a reception space (11) for the receptacle (101) placed therein, the transport rack (1) further comprising a movable fastening means (3) for securing the receptacle (101) in the reception space (11).