Quasi-Cylindrical Cargo Container for Higher Capacity Within Width Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cylindrical cargo containers have limited volumetric capacity due to width restrictions imposed by regulations, resulting in lower capacity compared to conventional rectangular containers for the same length.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a quasi-cylindrical container formed from curved longitudinal panels with flat longitudinal extension panels, creating a double-U cross-section that increases the vertical height while maintaining the width within regulatory limits, allowing for a greater volumetric capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional cylindrical container is used, then the container has good aerodynamics and structural strength, but the volumetric capacity is limited due to width restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional cylindrical shape to a quasi-cylindrical shape by adding flat longitudinal extension panels to the curved panels. This dimensional modification allows the container to achieve greater height while maintaining regulatory width limits, thereby increasing volumetric capacity without sacrificing the aerodynamic benefits of the curved surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is divided into curved longitudinal panels and flat longitudinal extension panels that are joined together. This segmentation allows the container to combine the aerodynamic advantages of curved surfaces with the volumetric benefits of extended flat sections, resolving the contradiction between shape and volume.
2Volume of moving object
If the container height is increased to improve capacity, then the volumetric capacity increases, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The curved panels and flat extension panels are merged into a unified quasi-cylindrical structure through joining mechanisms. This combination allows the container to achieve increased height and volume while maintaining structural integrity, as the curved panels provide strength and the flat panels extend capacity.
3Volume of moving object
If flat extension panels are added to increase volume, then the volumetric capacity increases, but the aerodynamic performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container uses curved panels in regions where aerodynamic performance is critical and flat extension panels in regions where volume expansion is needed. This local differentiation of surface quality allows the container to achieve increased capacity while minimizing the impact on aerodynamic performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A quasi-cylindrical cargo container is formed of a plurality of rigid, curved panels together forming first and second semi-cylindrical shells, and a plurality of rigid, flat extension panels bridging the first and second semi-cylindrical shells. A method of manufacturing the container includes forming the first and second semi-cylindrical shell from the curved panels, forming the quasi-cylindrical shell from the first and second semi-cylindrical shells and the flat extension panels, forming collars conformably encompassing the quasi-cylindrical shell, constricting the collars to compress joints formed at abutting edges of pairs of adjacent panels, rolling the shell and collars sequentially to bring the joints to a lower position, welding inside seams of the joints when at the lower position, removing the collars, rolling the shell sequentially to bring the joints to an upper position, and welding outside seams of the joints when at the upper position.