Roll Container Loading Flap for Cargo Security and Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roll containers for general cargo face challenges in securing non-stackable cargo during transport while allowing easy loading and unloading, as high side walls impede access and low side walls fail to prevent cargo displacement.
Innovation Solution
A roll container design featuring a foldable loading flap with spring-loaded locking elements and a trapezoidal opening that widens from bottom to top, allowing ergonomic loading and unloading without deep reaching, and detachable side walls with plug-in connections for secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high side walls are used to secure non-stackable cargo during transport, then cargo displacement is prevented, but loading and unloading becomes difficult due to limited access
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall is divided into two segments: a fixed lower portion and a movable upper portion (loading flap). This segmentation allows the lower portion to remain in place for cargo security while the upper portion can be opened for loading and unloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading flap is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot between a closed position (providing cargo security) and an open position (providing loading access). The dynamic nature of this component resolves the contradiction between security and accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the loading flap is opened for loading and unloading, then accessibility is improved, but cargo may shift and prevent the flap from closing again
Solution Approach 1:
A guide element acts as an intermediary between the loading flap and the side wall. This guide element ensures that the flap follows a predetermined path during opening and closing, preventing cargo from blocking the closing motion while still allowing full access for loading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide element is pre-positioned to define the closing path of the loading flap before any loading or unloading operations occur. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the flap can always return to its closed position regardless of cargo configuration.
3Ease of operation
If a loading flap is added to provide easy loading and unloading, then accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The loading flap utilizes a simple pivot connection that allows movement between open and closed positions without requiring complex mechanisms. This dynamic but simple design provides loading accessibility while minimizing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded locking element automatically engages with the guide element when the flap is in the correct position, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The user simply needs to open or close the flap, and the locking mechanism handles the rest.
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
Facilitates easy and secure loading and unloading of general cargo by preventing cargo displacement and maintaining accessibility, ensuring the loading flap can be easily opened and closed without rearranging settled cargo.
Implementation Method 1
The loading flap has spring-loaded locking elements with which it can be locked on the adjacent side wall
Implementation Method 2
The chassis has a roller-equipped floor with at least two castors
Data Source
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AI summary
The roll container has a chassis (1) and a construction (2). The chassis has a roller assembly base (3) with two steering wheels (4, 5). The construction frame (2) has two anchored front walls (10, 11) and side walls (20). The side wall (20) is outgoing from the upper edge of the side wall (20) and a centered intake opening (31) that is lockable at a bottom at its loading actuated valve (32).