Modular Roll Container Chassis With Detachable Caster Pin Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roll containers, particularly those with A-frame chassis, face challenges in reducing the carbon footprint of logistics equipment, as they require complex assembly and maintenance, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A novel modular chassis for roll containers is introduced, featuring a caster assembly with a fork and pin system that allows for easy assembly and disassembly with minimal tools, and includes a sacrificial crossmember for improved impact tolerance and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional A-frame chassis with welding is used, then structural strength is ensured, but assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is divided into modular components (side walls, base, caster assemblies, crossmembers) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The side walls are detachably connectable to the base and crossmembers without welding, allowing each component to be produced separately and assembled on-site using simple tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Detachable connection elements serve as intermediaries between chassis components. These connection elements enable the side walls to be connected to the base and crossmembers without direct welding, simplifying assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If welding is used for chassis assembly, then permanent strong connection is achieved, but repairability and flexibility decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidrepairability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into detachable components rather than permanent welded joints. This allows individual components like side walls or casters to be replaced independently without affecting the entire chassis structure, significantly improving repairability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis transitions from a static welded structure to a dynamic assembly that can be easily configured and reconfigured. The detachable connections allow the chassis to adapt to different operational requirements and facilitate quick repairs by removing and replacing components as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If complex assembly procedures are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity and time efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly precisionVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the chassis into standardized modular components with simple detachable connections, the invention achieves both precision and speed. Each component can be manufactured with precision independently, while assembly is simplified to basic connection operations that can be performed quickly with minimal tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection method is changed from permanent welding to detachable mechanical connections. This parameter change in the assembly process maintains sufficient structural precision while dramatically reducing assembly time and increasing productivity, allowing rapid assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Stability of the object's composition

If welded chassis structure is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but volumetric efficiency for transportation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidtransportation volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis components can be disassembled into separate elements for compact packing during return logistics. The detachable side walls, base, and crossmembers can be nested or stacked in a space-efficient manner, reducing the volume required for transportation while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular components of the chassis are designed to nest within each other when disassembled. The side walls can be positioned within the base structure, and crossmembers can be stored in designated spaces, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes transportation volume while preserving the complete chassis structure for use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3768573B1Chassis comprising a caster assembly and roll container comprising such as chassis

Publication Date: 2025.05.28 K HARTWALL OY AB

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AI summary

According to an example aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a novel caster assembly for a roll container (1000). The caster assembly has a caster (410) with a fork (411) as well as a pin (414). The pin (414) may be repeatedly attached to and removed from the fork (411) so as to attach the chassis (100) of the roll container (1000) to the fork (411). The pin (414) also actsas the hinge pin of a pivotable side wall (200) of said roll container (1000).