Self-Propelled Shipping Container with Integrated Drive System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard shipping containers often sit idle for days due to limited transportation equipment, leading to bottlenecks in cargo delivery as they cannot be immediately transported to their next destination after unloading.
Innovation Solution
A combination shipping container and vehicle that can be lifted and handled like standard containers but equipped with its own motive power, allowing it to drive to its next destination, featuring a vehicle frame, engine, suspension, transmission, driver's cab, and a container portion with corner fittings for safe lifting and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard shipping containers are used without integrated vehicle components, then the container structure remains simple and lightweight, but the containers must sit idle for days waiting for limited transportation equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a shipping container with a vehicle by integrating an engine, transmission, suspension, and steering system directly into the container structure. This merging allows the container to function both as a cargo storage unit and as a self-propelled vehicle, eliminating the need to wait for separate transportation equipment and thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple container structure and improving cargo delivery speed
Solution Approach 2:
The container-vehicle hybrid performs multiple functions: it serves as a cargo container for storage and stacking, while simultaneously functioning as a self-propelled vehicle for transportation. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to both protect cargo and transport it, resolving the contradiction by making the container itself capable of both static and dynamic operations
2Loss of time
If transportation equipment is limited, then standard container handling procedures are maintained, but cargo sits idle for days in stacks waiting for available trucks
Solution Approach 1:
The container is equipped with its own engine, transmission, and driving controls, enabling it to transport itself without requiring external trucks or transportation equipment. This self-service capability eliminates the waiting time for limited transportation resources while maintaining the flexibility to move cargo independently to various destinations
3Speed
If a vehicle is integrated into the shipping container, then immediate self-propelled transportation is achieved, but the container becomes heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle components (engine, transmission, suspension, steering) are integrated as modular segments within the container structure rather than as separate attached systems. This segmentation allows the vehicle components to be efficiently arranged and shared across the container structure, minimizing the additional weight while enabling immediate self-propelled transportation
Data Source
AI summary
A combination shipping container and vehicle is disclosed that may be handled and lifted in a similar fashion to a standard shipping container, and also may provide its own motive force for driving as a vehicle. The combination includes a vehicle frame that is generally the length and width of the standard shipping container. The frame provides a strong support framework for the combination. An engine is supported by the frame, and a suspension supports at least four wheels by the frame. A transmission mounted to the frame transfers rotational energy from the engine to at least two of the wheels through a transfer case and an axle. A driver's cab is fixed to and above the frame at a forward end thereof and includes driver controls for controlling the engine, steering and braking of at least two of the wheels, and other related motor vehicle functions. A container portion is fixed to and above the frame at a rear end thereof. The container portion is substantially hollow and is adapted for cargo to be transported therein. The length and width of the combination is approximately that of a standard shipping container, and the overall height of the combination is the height of the standard shipping container plus the height of the frame plus half of a height of the wheels. The frame may further include a license plate holder, a flap for each wheel, and any other required equipment to conform to vehicular laws in various jurisdictions.