Retractable Fixing Elements for ISO-Compliant Logistical Platforms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing logistical support platforms are costly to manufacture, require frequent maintenance, and are inefficient to transport and store due to their non-standard design and size, limiting their field of use.

Innovation Solution

A platform with a rectangular frame and floor, featuring retractable fixing elements that comply with ISO standards, allowing for compact storage and easy transport, and a deployable superstructure for logistical support means like kitchens and toilets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If non-standard containers are used for logistical support means, then the devices can be equipped with logistical support functions, but the manufacturing cost increases and maintenance frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelogistical support functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The platform is designed with standardized dimensions (2438mm x 1219mm) that comply with ISO container standards, allowing it to serve multiple purposes: it can be stored in standard containers, transported on standard shipping vessels, and deployed as a logistical support platform. This universal design eliminates the need for custom non-standard containers while maintaining full logistical functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If non-standard containers are used for logistical support means, then the devices can be equipped with logistical support functions, but maintenance operations must be carried out frequently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelogistical support functionalityVSAvoidmaintenance frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By designing the platform with standardized ISO-compliant dimensions and features, it can be stored in standard containers during transport and deployment. This eliminates the need for specialized storage facilities and reduces maintenance requirements, as standard containers are more durable and require less frequent maintenance compared to custom non-standard containers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If trailers with fixed logistical support means are used, then the devices can provide logistical support, but the volume occupied is not optimal and only one device can be stored in a container

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelogistical support capabilityVSAvoidstorage volume efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The platform features movable fixing elements that can transition between retracted and deployed positions. When retracted, the platform occupies minimal space allowing multiple units to be stacked vertically in containers. When deployed, the fixing elements extend to provide stable support for logistical equipment. This dynamic adjustment optimizes storage volume efficiency while maintaining logistical support capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If trailers with fixed logistical support means are used, then the devices can provide logistical support, but additional storage hangars are required generating additional cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelogistical support capabilityVSAvoidstorage infrastructure cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The platform is designed to be stored within standard ISO containers, which serve dual purposes as both transport vessels and storage facilities. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated storage hangars, reducing infrastructure costs. The standardized dimensions allow containers to function as both logistics platforms during deployment and storage units during non-use periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

5Adaptability or versatility

If containers are used for logistical support means, then the devices can be transported, but significant means are required for transport and installation limiting field of use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport capabilityVSAvoidtransport infrastructure requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The logistical support system is segmented into multiple standardized platforms that can be individually transported in standard containers. Each platform is self-contained with standardized fixing elements, allowing independent deployment. This segmentation enables flexible deployment configurations and reduces the complexity of transport infrastructure requirements, as standard container shipping infrastructure can be utilized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

6Ease of operation

If fixing elements are in deployed position, then the platform can be transported on truck with twistlocks, but the platform occupies more space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport convenienceVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing elements are designed to be movable between retracted and deployed positions. During storage and container loading, the fixing elements are retracted to minimize the platform's footprint, allowing optimal space utilization. During truck transport, the fixing elements can be deployed to engage with twistlocks, providing secure attachment. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between transport convenience and space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2514887B1Platform provided with a logistical support means
Publication Date: 2014.10.29 SOC DETUD & DE REAL THERMIQUES
  • EP2514887B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2514887B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2514887B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The platform (1) has a logistical support unit including a frame (2) provided with fixing elements (26a). The fixing elements are mounted at four corners of the frame. The fixing elements are moved along width direction of the frame between a retracted position, in which the elements are housed inside the frame and a deployed position, in which the elements are projected from the frame, where distance between the elements adjacent to the width direction of the frame is equal to predetermined distance.