Removable Panel Container with Leverage Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Containers with permanently mounted objects, such as natural gas or propane tanks, face difficulties in inspection due to close packing and non-removable sides, which hinder effective and efficient access for periodic checks.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a support frame with removable sides, utilizing a flexible panel and panel mounting assembly with a leverage structure and tensioning mechanism to facilitate easy access for inspection, allowing panels to be temporarily removed and reinstalled while maintaining structural integrity and tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If sides of the container are permanently fixed to maintain structural integrity, then structural strength is improved, but accessibility for inspection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container sides are designed to transition from a fixed state to a removable state. The sides can be permanently mounted during normal operation to maintain structural integrity, but can be removed when inspection is required. This dynamic configuration allows the container to adapt between two functional states: enclosed for protection and open for accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is divided into modular components where the sides are separate from the main container body. The sides can be independently removed while the container body remains intact. This segmentation allows inspection access without compromising the overall structural integrity of the container framework.
2Strength
If heavy rigid sides are used to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container sides utilize flexible paneling materials that provide the necessary structural integrity while significantly reducing weight compared to traditional rigid materials. The flexible nature of these panels also facilitates easier removal and reinstallation for inspection purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The sides are constructed using composite material structures that combine lightweight materials with reinforcing elements. This composite approach maintains the required structural strength and rigidity while minimizing the overall weight of the container sides.
3Reliability
If complex mounting mechanisms are used to ensure secure panel attachment, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The sides can be attached to the container body without requiring complex alignment procedures or multiple fastening steps. The mechanism automatically ensures proper positioning and secure attachment, reducing the need for complex operational procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism extracts the complexity from the attachment process by using simple, standardized connection points. The sides feature integrated mounting elements that interface with corresponding receptacles on the container body, eliminating the need for complex fastening systems while maintaining secure attachment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and effective inspection of objects within the container without adding significant weight or cost, with panels being lightweight, easily replaceable, and capable of maintaining tension to prevent environmental damage.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one panel mounting element may include a leverage structure configured to provide a fulcrum edge along at least a portion of the perimeter frame of the open side of the support frame
Implementation Method 2
the at least one panel mounting element may include a tensioning structure mountable on the leverage structure and configured to selectively apply tension to the at least one portion of the panel with the thicker thickness
Data Source
AI summary
A container may comprise a support frame with sides and at least one of the sides being an open side defining an opening, a flexible panel configured to at least partially cover the open side of the support frame, and a panel mounting assembly configured to removably mount the panel over the opening. The panel mounting assembly may comprise at least one panel mounting element including a leverage structure configured to provide a fulcrum edge along at least a portion of the opening, with the at least one portion of the panel being tensionable over the fulcrum edge. The panel mounting element may also comprise a tensioning structure mountable on the leverage structure and configured to selectively apply tension to the at least one portion of the panel with the thicker thickness over the fulcrum edge of the leverage structure.