Replaceable Fork Strap Assembly for Shipping Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reusable shipping containers suffer from damage to fork straps and feet due to improper handling, leading to costly replacements, and lack of protection for all sides of the feet, as well as challenges in accommodating pallet jacks and providing standard dunnage solutions.
Innovation Solution
A novel shipping container design featuring a replaceable fork strap assembly where the exposed portion of the feet is integral to the fork strap unit, with fork straps in one direction formed at the top of the feet to accommodate pallet jacks without reducing capacity or increasing weight, and integrated dunnage attachment points in the sidewalls for easy and secure dunnage installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the fork strap assembly is made integral to the base, then the container structure is simplified, but the cost increases significantly when replacement is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The container base is divided into two separate assemblies: the base structure itself and the fork strap assembly. The fork strap assembly is designed as a detachable component that can be removed and replaced independently from the base, allowing repair without replacing the entire base structure. This segmentation enables cost-effective maintenance while maintaining structural integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate fork straps are attached to the feet, then the feet can be protected, but if a foot is damaged the fork straps cannot be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The fork strap assembly is designed as a separate, detachable unit from the feet, connected through a standardized interface. This allows the fork strap assembly to be replaced independently even when feet remain intact, and enables protection of feet while maintaining replaceability of the fork straps through modular design.
3Strength
If the entire base is replaced when fork straps break, then structural integrity is maintained, but considerable expense is incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure and fork strap assembly are designed as separate, interchangeable components. When fork straps break, only the fork strap assembly needs to be replaced, not the entire base. This segmentation maintains structural integrity of the base while significantly reducing replacement expenses by allowing selective replacement of only the damaged component.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fork straps are formed at the top of the feet, then pallet jacks can be accommodated, but capacity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fork straps are positioned at the top of the feet rather than the bottom, utilizing the vertical dimension to create clearance for pallet jack wheels. This dimensional repositioning allows pallet jack compatibility without reducing the horizontal loading capacity of the container, as the fork straps remain elevated and do not interfere with the cargo loading area.
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable shipping container adapted to resist damage to the feet of the container and to allow the fork straps to be replaced if the fork straps or the feet are damage. The container can also easily be adapted to accommodate the use of pallet jacks without reducing the capacity of the container or increasing the weight of the container. The container is also adapted to easily receive dunnage required to protect the material being shipped in the container.