Shipping Container Ramp for Single-Person Chiller Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shipping containers for chillers mounted on casters in single-point applications often require two people to load and unload, as they lack an integrated ramp system for efficient single-person operation.
Innovation Solution
A shipping container design featuring a base with parallel support members made of foam and low-friction material, a hinged ramp, and a sleeve system that allows the chiller to be rolled up the ramp, pushed onto the support members, and then slid into place, enabling single-person loading and unloading without lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a shipping container includes a fixed floor elevated from the supporting surface, then the container provides stable support for the product, but the product cannot be easily loaded or unloaded without lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed floor with a movable floor assembly that can be tilted. The floor is connected to the container sides via hinges or slides, allowing it to transition from a horizontal loading position to an inclined dispensing position. This dynamic transformation enables the floor to serve dual functions: providing stable support during storage and facilitating easy loading/unloading during operation, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the floor into movable components that can be independently controlled. The floor assembly is divided into sections that can be tilted or lowered separately, allowing the front portion to be angled for loading while the rear remains elevated for support. This segmentation enables selective movement of floor portions to optimize both stability during transport and ease of operation during loading/unloading.
2Ease of operation
If a ramp is added to facilitate loading, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ramp function with the container floor itself. Instead of adding a separate ramp structure, the floor is designed to tilt and form the ramp surface when needed. This integration eliminates the need for additional ramp components, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ease of operation benefit. The floor serves both as the support surface and the loading ramp through its ability to change orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The container floor is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the support surface during storage and the loading ramp during operation. By enabling the floor to transform between these two states, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated ramp structures, thereby reducing overall device complexity while providing easy loading and unloading capabilities.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the floor is elevated by a fixed dimension, then structural stability is improved, but accessibility for single-person operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the floor height and angle adjustable rather than fixed. The floor can be tilted to different angles or lowered to different positions, allowing a single person to access the container easily during loading/unloading. During transport, the floor returns to its elevated stable position. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between structural stability and single-person accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of floor elevation from a fixed dimension to a variable parameter. The floor height and angle can be modified based on operational needs. During loading/unloading, the floor is lowered or tilted to reduce the access height for single-person operation. During transport, it returns to the elevated position for structural stability. This parameter change enables the system to optimize both stability and accessibility at different times.
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
Enables the chiller to be loaded and unloaded by a single person, reducing the need for multiple personnel and improving operational efficiency by using a ramp and low-friction support system within the container.
Implementation Method 1
a strip of low friction material being fixedly mounted on the top surface of the block of foam material
Data Source
AI summary
A shipping container for a product mounted on casters, weighing on the order of about 150 to 300 pounds and including a box shaped housing. The shipping container comprises a base. A pair of elongated, parallel disposed and spaced apart support members are fixedly mounted on the top of the base. Each support member includes a block of foam material fixedly mounted onto the base and having a tapered front end and a rear end. A strip of low friction material is fixedly mounted on top of the block of foam material.