Rivetless Cargo Container Sidewall Connector Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo container sidewall designs face challenges in achieving lightweight, rigid, and strong structures with minimal protrusions and snag points, while allowing for easy panel replacement and maximizing interior space, as conventional methods often rely on bolts or rivets that increase thickness and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A rivetless and boltless sidewall construction using composite panels with posts that incorporate inward protrusions and ratcheting grooves for secure attachment, eliminating the need for external fasteners and allowing for easy panel replacement, while maintaining structural integrity and aerodynamic surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bolts or rivets are used to assemble sidewalls, then structural integrity is improved, but sidewall thickness and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural joining between panels, incorporates locking mechanisms with protrusions and recesses, and eliminates the need for separate fasteners like bolts or rivets. This merging reduces overall assembly complexity and sidewall thickness while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs self-locking features through protrusions that engage with recesses in adjacent panels, creating automatic mechanical interlocking without requiring additional fastening elements. The design allows panels to be secured through the connector's inherent structural features rather than external fasteners.
2Device complexity
If structural panel sidewalls are used, then sidewall thickness is reduced, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewall system is divided into modular components: separate structural panels and separate connectors that can be manufactured independently using optimized processes. This segmentation allows each component to be produced efficiently and assembled later, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the advanced design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a universal component that can join panels of various thicknesses through adjustable features, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connector types. This multi-functionality simplifies manufacturing by standardizing parts while accommodating design variations.
3Strength
If vertical posts are used to provide structural integrity, then strength is improved, but interior space is reduced due to post thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The connector utilizes thin-walled structural designs with optimized cross-sectional geometry that provide high strength-to-weight ratios. The thin-walled construction maintains structural integrity while minimizing the space occupied by structural elements, thereby maximizing interior cargo volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates composite construction combining materials with different properties to achieve high strength with minimal thickness. This allows the structural element to be as thin as possible while maintaining the required load-bearing capacity, thus preserving interior space.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved panel and sidewall construction is presented. The sidewall includes a post with a pocket, and in the pocket external liners of the sidewall are secured. Flexible interior panels are secured in the posts with two protrusions that extend laterally and inwardly from the post. The posts also include slots for logistics panel that serve as a tie-down points for securing cargo.