Octagonal Shipping Container With Corner Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shipping and storage containers with square or rectangular shapes and nine legs arranged in rows or columns lack optimal load-bearing capability and flexibility for forklift entry, limiting stackability and efficiency in handling and storage.
Innovation Solution
An octagonal-shaped shipping container with legs positioned at each corner and a central leg, featuring tapered crescentoid legs for enhanced load-bearing capacity and multi-directional forklift entry, combined with integrated slide locks for secure assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If legs are arranged in three rows of three each (conventional configuration), then the container structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the load-bearing capability and stackability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning legs at the eight corners of the octagonal pallet rather than in a symmetric 3x3 grid. This corner-based asymmetric arrangement optimizes load distribution to the pallet's strongest points (corners), significantly improving load-bearing capability and stackability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the regular octagonal geometry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If legs are positioned between corners in conventional arrangements, then the pallet structure is simple, but forklift entry flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions legs at the eight corners of the octagonal pallet, creating an asymmetric arrangement relative to conventional between-corner positioning. This corner placement allows forklifts to enter from multiple directions (any of the eight sides), providing superior entry flexibility while the regular octagonal shape keeps the positioning system simple to manufacture.
3Strength
If conventional square or rectangular container shapes are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but load-bearing capability and stackability are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved geometry by using an octagonal shape with rounded corners instead of sharp angles. This curvature at the corners strengthens the structure by distributing loads more effectively, improving load-bearing capability and stackability. The octagonal form with curved transitions remains relatively simple to manufacture using standard molding or fabrication processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A shipping container comprising a bottom pallet, a sleeve and a top. At least the pallet and sleeve are octagonal in shape and the pallet has a floor engaging leg for support at each of the eight corners of the pallet. The ninth leg is located at the center of the pallet and all legs are located to allow forklift entry from any of multiple approach directions. The legs are preferably of crescentoid shape.