Modified Shipping Container With Removable Header for Bulky Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard shipping containers are limited in their ability to transport bulky cargo that exceeds structurally defined dimensions, hindering the efficient shipping of items like fabricated rectangular wooden modules.
Innovation Solution
A modified shipping container with a removable header system and cover, allowing for front and top loading/unloading, and flexible polymeric material cover to accommodate and protect rectangular wooden modules during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard shipping container dimensions are used, then intermodal transport compatibility is maintained, but the ability to transport bulky items with dimensions exceeding structural dimensions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The container header is designed to be removable and reconfigurable, allowing the container to adapt its structure dynamically. The header can be removed to accommodate bulky items that exceed standard dimensions, then reattached when needed, providing versatility without permanently altering the container's fundamental structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure is segmented into permanent components (sides, bottom, ends) and removable components (header, cover). This segmentation allows the header and cover to be removed or reconfigured to accommodate varying cargo dimensions while maintaining the integrity of the main container structure for standard transport.
2Ease of operation
If a removable header system is added to provide top access, then loading of bulky items is facilitated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The header is extracted as a separate removable component from the permanent container structure. This allows the header to be removed to facilitate loading of bulky items through the side opening, then reattached to restore the container's sealed structure, providing ease of operation without permanently increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable header system serves multiple functions: it provides structural closure when attached, enables top access for loading when removed, and can be reconfigured for different cargo types. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile operational capabilities.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a flexible polymeric cover is added to protect cargo, then protection from elements is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible polymeric cover is used instead of a rigid protective structure. This flexible cover can be easily attached and removed, provides adequate protection from elements during transport, and does not significantly increase structural complexity due to its lightweight and adaptable nature.
4Volume of moving object
If fabricated rectangular wooden modules are oriented vertically, then space utilization in container is improved, but loading and unloading complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removable header system enables dynamic access to the container interior, allowing modules to be loaded vertically in an efficient space configuration, then easily accessed and removed through the opened header when needed, balancing space utilization with operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for shipping of fabricated rectangular wooden modules used for construction of a wood frame structure and for shipping of other bulky items are described. In particular, the disclosure features a modified shipping container for shipping the fabricated rectangular wooden modules and methods of loading, transporting, and unloading the fabricated rectangular wooden modules. The modified shipping container features a removable header system and a removable cover. The fabricated rectangular wooden modules include a module length axis, a module width axis, a bounded wood perimeter, and joists or rafters oriented perpendicularly to the module length axis, and are stacked as cargo in the interior of the container such that joists or rafters of the fabricated rectangular wooden modules are substantially vertical and the length axes of the modules are substantially parallel to a length axis of the container.