Multi-sided Corrugated Fiberboard Drum for Manual Handling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cylindrical shipping drums made of solid fiber, plastic, or metal are difficult to handle manually due to their weight and circular configuration, which leads to control issues during rolling, and they require substantial storage and shipping space when empty, as well as being non-recyclable.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sided shipping container in drum form made of corrugated fiberboard with an integral rim structure for secure forklift handling and manual control, allowing for stacking strength, easy recyclability, and compact storage when empty, featuring a larger gripping surface and reduced momentum during manual movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cylindrical drums are used, then they can withstand weight and rough handling, but they are difficult to handle manually due to weight and circular configuration causing control issues
Solution Approach 1:
The drum is segmented into a multi-sided construction with flat panels instead of a continuous cylindrical surface. This segmentation creates discrete gripping surfaces and reduces the moment of inertia, making manual handling easier while maintaining structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
The drum transitions from a symmetric cylindrical shape to an asymmetric multi-sided shape with flat surfaces. This asymmetry provides better gripping surfaces for manual handling and reduces rolling momentum, improving control during operation
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional cylindrical drums are used, then they provide structural strength, but they require substantial storage and shipping space when empty
Solution Approach 1:
The drum is divided into separable components (panels, rim, bottom) that can be disassembled and flattened. This segmentation enables compact storage and shipping of empty drums, reducing the volume occupied by unused containers
Solution Approach 2:
The drum structure transitions from a rigid fixed form to a dynamic state where it can be easily collapsed and flattened when empty, optimizing storage space while maintaining structural integrity during use
3Ease of operation
If conventional cylindrical drums are used, then they can be handled by mechanized equipment, but the circular configuration builds up momentum during rolling making control difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The circular symmetric shape is replaced with a multi-sided asymmetric shape featuring flat surfaces. This change reduces the moment of inertia and rolling momentum, providing better control during manual movement while maintaining compatibility with mechanized handling equipment
4Ease of operation
If conventional cylindrical drums are used, then they provide a rim for forklift engagement, but the rim provides limited surface area for gripping and control
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous circular rim is replaced with a multi-sided rim structure featuring flat surfaces. This increases the surface area available for gripping and control during manual handling, while the rim maintains its structural function for forklift engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A bulk shipping and storage container in the form of a drum is made of corrugated fiberboard and includes a bin with a sidewall, a closed bottom and an open top. The sidewall has a plurality of interconnected sidewall panels, and a rim is on an upper outer surface of the sidewall for engagement by the tines of a forklift to carry the container. The locking structure on the lid and bin enable the lid to be locked in place. The bottom of the container has adhesively attached overlapping panels that provide smooth interior and exterior surfaces. A preferred embodiment has a tray inserted in the bottom and a liner inserted in the tray and extending upwardly inside the sidewall. In another embodiment, a shock-absorbing pad is between the liner and the lid.