Two-Piece Shipping Container Vertical Locking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shipping containers pose challenges in handling and securing large, awkwardly shaped cargo due to size restrictions, lack of proper securing mechanisms, and vulnerability to theft and damage during transport.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece intermodal shipping container with a deck and lid, featuring vertical locking systems with twist locks and corner castings, allowing for flexible loading and securing of cargo from the sides, ends, or top, and incorporating a Perimeter Tiedown System for enhanced security and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cargo is loaded through door openings of conventional containers, then cargo can be loaded into enclosed containers, but large or awkwardly shaped cargo cannot be loaded due to width and height restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two separate components: a base section and a lid section. The lid can be completely removed from the base, creating an open-top loading configuration. This segmentation allows cargo to be loaded from the top or sides without being constrained by door openings, while still providing enclosed protection when the lid is reattached.
2Ease of operation
If cargo is end-loaded through doors, then cargo can be loaded into containers, but cargo cannot be properly secured due to lack of room for handlers inside
Solution Approach 1:
The container design allows cargo to be loaded and secured on the open base before the lid is reattached. The Perimeter Tiedown System is positioned along the perimeter of the base, allowing handlers to access and operate securing mechanisms from the outside or from easily accessible positions, eliminating the need to crawl inside the container to secure cargo.
3Adaptability or versatility
If deck cargo or uncovered flat rack is used for large items, then cargo can be loaded without size restrictions, but cargo is unprotected and subjected to theft or elements
Solution Approach 1:
The separable two-piece design allows the container to function as an open platform (base only) for loading large cargo without size restrictions, then be converted to an enclosed protective structure by reattaching the lid. This provides the flexibility of open cargo handling with the security and protection of enclosed containers when needed.
4Strength
If a unified single-piece container design is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but loading efficiency and security are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into base and lid sections that can be quickly assembled and disassembled using vertical locking systems with twist locks. This segmentation enables rapid loading and unloading operations by allowing the lid to be removed and reattached without complex fastening procedures, while maintaining structural integrity when assembled through robust vertical locking mechanisms at each corner.
Data Source
AI summary
A two-piece intermodal shipping container has a deck and a lid. The deck has vertical lock corner casings bottom corner castings, a frame and a floor. Tie down clips or rings are provided on side and end beams around a floor that is recessed in one embodiment. The lid has side beams and corner posts with upper and lower corner castings. Twist locks are held in the vertical lock corner casings. After loading and securing cargo on the deck, the lid is lowered over the cargo to the deck. The twist locks are turned to secure the lower corner castings on the lid with the vertical lock corner casings on the deck, completing the shipping container for placing or stacking the container on a truck, train, ship or airplane. The deck has fork lift openings in the frame. The lid has fork lift tubes or lifting rings at the top.