Retractable Twist Lock Flatbed Deck with Rigid Sealing Lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo transport methods, such as flatbed trailers and shipping containers, face inefficiencies in loading and unloading due to height restrictions and lack of security, leading to damage and exposure to elements, theft, and vandalism.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece shipping container base is adapted to serve as a flatbed trailer deck, which can be converted into a fully enclosed cargo conveyance by attaching a lid, providing a secure and flexible solution for cargo transport that combines the accessibility of an open flatbed with the protection of an enclosed container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cargo is transported on a flatbed trailer, then loading and unloading is easy and fast, but cargo is exposed to elements, theft, and vandalism
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two separate pieces: a base that attaches to the flatbed chassis and a lid that can be independently attached and removed. This segmentation allows the base to remain on the flatbed for easy loading/unloading while the lid provides protective enclosure when attached, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The container configuration is made dynamic by allowing the lid to be attached or detached as needed. When the lid is attached, cargo is protected from elements and theft; when detached, loading and unloading is simplified. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cargo is transported in a fully enclosed shipping container, then cargo is protected from elements and theft, but loading and unloading becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the container into a base and lid, the invention enables simplified loading/unloading operations. The base remains attached to the flatbed chassis with easy-access sides and ends, allowing rapid cargo movement, while the lid can be independently attached to provide full enclosure protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having a traditional enclosed container that requires loading through restricted door openings, the invention inverts the approach by providing open sides and ends on the base portion, allowing cargo to be loaded from multiple directions while the lid provides overhead protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cargo is transported in a traditional enclosed container, then cargo is secure, but height restrictions limit loading machine reach and cargo height
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of base and lid allows the base to extend higher without the constraint of a continuous enclosed structure. The base can be designed with greater height to accommodate taller cargo while the lid provides protective coverage, eliminating the height restrictions imposed by traditional enclosed container doorways and ceiling openings.
Data Source
AI summary
A flatbed deck with corner castings connects to the intermodal equipment trailer chassis. Twist locks are retractable in upper corner castings to provide an absolutely flat deck to facilitate loading and unloading. Lower corner castings are connected to corner twist locks of a trailer chassis. Cargo is loaded and a rigid three-dimensional lid is lowered onto the flatbed deck. The rigid lid has corner castings that cooperate with twist locks at corners of the new flatbed deck. Lid corner castings are recessed in the lid. The lid seals to the deck to prevent moisture ingress. Corner castings extend slightly downward from the corners of the lid. Two or more short individual lids are secured separately to the new decks. Partial loads are individually covered and protected by the short lids which are seated and sealed to the deck by securing lid corner castings.