Pivotable Top Frame Knock-Down Crate for Shipping Density
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current shipping containers for large durable goods, such as wheeled vehicles, have low shipping density and high supplier costs due to the need for separate components, which increases transportation expenses for manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A knock-down container system comprising a pallet, vertical posts, and a top frame with pivotable components that can be easily assembled and disassembled for efficient storage and shipping, allowing for higher component density and reduced shipping costs by transforming from a squared configuration for use to a collapsed configuration for shipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If containers are supplied as separate components (base, top frame, side posts) for shipping, then shipping density increases and more containers can be shipped in a truck, but shipping costs remain high due to the need for multiple separate component shipments
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into separate components (base, top frame, side posts) that can be shipped independently and assembled at the destination. This segmentation allows for increased shipping density as components can be packed more efficiently than complete assembled containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple container components into a single integrated shipping unit that can be transported as one piece. This merging reduces the number of separate shipments needed, thereby reducing overall shipping costs while maintaining the benefits of component-based design.
2Ease of manufacture
If containers are supplied as separate components for assembly, then manufacturing flexibility and ease of assembly are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components requiring assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into standardized components with uniform connection interfaces. This segmentation enables easy assembly through simple connection mechanisms while maintaining manufacturing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The container components are designed with universal connection features that allow the same base and frame components to be used across different container configurations. This universality simplifies the assembly process and reduces the complexity of managing multiple specialized parts.
3Ease of operation
If complete assembled containers are shipped from manufacturer to retailer, then ease of operation is improved as containers are ready to use, but shipping density decreases and fewer containers can be transported in a truck
Solution Approach 1:
The container components are pre-assembled into a partially complete state at the manufacturing facility, with critical connections already made. This preliminary action reduces assembly time at the destination while allowing for more efficient shipping compared to fully assembled containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design incorporates dynamic assembly features that allow for quick transformation from shipped component state to fully assembled operational state. This dynamic capability maintains ease of operation while improving shipping density.
Data Source
AI summary
A knock-down container readily assembled from a pallet, side support members, and a top frame pivotably changeable from a symmetric first configuration square for capping the container to a second collapsed configuration for component shipping, for containing durable goods for storage and shipping. The top frame has corner supports pivotally connected to a pair of opposing end members and connected to a pair of opposing side members, being movable from the first configuration for capping the knock-down container and the second configuration pivoted for collapsing the opposing side members together for shipping as a component.