Roll Cover Roof for Intermodal Waste Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for transporting municipal solid waste, such as using trucks and traditional rail containers, are inefficient and costly due to size limitations, high labor requirements, and compliance issues with regulations, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and operational expenses.

Innovation Solution

The development of an open-top intermodal container with a rooftop sealing cover system that allows for easy loading and secure transportation of waste, compatible with rail travel, using a modified 40' standard container with removable roof sections and reinforcement features to ensure structural integrity and compliance with regulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional rail containers with solid lids are used, then compliance with environmental regulations is improved, but loading efficiency deteriorates due to specialized equipment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoidloading efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The container employs a dynamic roof system that can transition between open and closed states. The roll-up cover mechanism allows the roof to be dynamically adjusted during loading operations, then securely closed for transport, combining the benefits of easy loading with regulatory compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The roof is segmented into a roll-up cover portion and fixed side rail portions. This segmentation allows the loading opening to be dynamically opened while maintaining structural integrity and compliance features when closed, eliminating the need for specialized loading equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If open-top container design is used, then loading efficiency is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading efficiencyVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The container features a dynamic roll-up cover system that can be opened during loading to maintain high productivity, then securely closed and locked during transport to maintain structural integrity and prevent debris ejection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The container employs composite construction with steel side rails and reinforcement members providing structural strength, combined with a roll-up cover material that provides both opening access and when closed, maintains integrity comparable to solid roofing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If roll-up cover system is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading operationVSAvoidcover mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The roll-up cover system is designed to be manually operated without requiring specialized equipment. The cover can be rolled up and secured using simple mechanisms that are intuitive and easy to operate, maintaining ease of use while minimizing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The roll-up cover utilizes a flexible yet durable material that can be easily rolled and unrolled. This flexible membrane approach simplifies the mechanism compared to rigid moving parts, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Strength

If reinforced top structure is added, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetop structure integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Reinforcement is applied locally at critical areas such as the top rails and corners where structural strength is most needed, rather than uniformly throughout the entire container. This targeted approach provides necessary structural integrity while minimizing additional manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The container uses composite construction combining standard gauge steel for the main body with selective reinforcement members at critical locations. This approach achieves required structural strength through strategic material placement rather than throughout, controlling manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS12252334B2Specialty intermodal container having a roll cover roof, method of use and manufacture

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 ARROWHEAD ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERS LLC

AI summary

An intermodal container includes first and second ends, joined by first and second sides in a generally rectangular configuration. A generally continuous floor cooperates with the first and second ends and the first and second sides to form an open top container. A plurality of roof overhangs extend adjacent a top of the open top container, generally parallel to the floor. The intermodal container includes a roll cover having a first position in which the open top container is substantially open to the ambient environment to allow for loading from above the first and second sides and first and second ends of the open top container. The roll cover has a second position in which the open top container is substantially closed to the ambient environment to prevent any contents of the open top container to be ejected from the open top container during transport. A plurality of top reinforcement rails are disposed adjacent upper portions of the first and second sides, and extends from the first side to the second side.