Sliding Roof Container with Collapsible Frame

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

General hermetic containers with fixed sizes and openable roofs are inefficient for storing and transporting luggage exceeding standard dimensions due to cumbersome opening and closing mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A container with a collapsible frame and sliding roof that opens like a vertical blind, allowing the roof to slide from one side to another, supported by a collapsible frame and locked with grooves, enabling efficient opening and closing without separate components or power devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-size hermetic container is used, then the container structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the container cannot accommodate luggage exceeding standard dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer size adaptabilityVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container incorporates a sliding roof mechanism that can move horizontally along guide rails, transforming the fixed container volume into a dynamic, adjustable space. The roof slides between locked positions to accommodate different cargo heights, enabling the same container to adapt to various luggage sizes without structural modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The roof structure is divided into multiple segments or panels that can slide independently along the container length. This segmentation allows flexible adjustment of the enclosed volume while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If an openable roof mechanism with multiple components is used, then the container can be opened, but the opening and closing operations become inefficient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroof opening operationVSAvoidopening and closing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple roof panels are merged into a single sliding assembly that moves as one unit along the container. This eliminates the need for separate opening operations for each panel, reducing the number of steps required to open or close the container and significantly decreasing operation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional mechanical system involving multiple ropes, covers, and detachable beams is replaced with a simplified sliding mechanism guided by rails and locked by latches. This substitution reduces operational complexity and time while maintaining the opening function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex opening system with multiple components is used, then the container can be opened, but the manufacturing and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopening capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from traditional openable roof systems, such as separate covers, multiple ropes, and detachable beams. The remaining essential functions (opening, closing, locking) are achieved with a minimal set of components: sliding panels, guide rails, and latches, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The design uses simple, inexpensive components like standard latches and guide rails that are easy to manufacture and replace. These components prioritize functional adequacy over durability, reducing both initial manufacturing costs and long-term maintenance expenses while maintaining opening capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

The sliding roof mechanism allows for easy and efficient opening and closing of the container, accommodating larger luggage and reducing maintenance and manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for complex opening systems.

Implementation Method 1

the sliding roof may be configured to slide in a collapsible manner along the upper side of the container in a direction from a second side to the first side of the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a collapsible frame that is coupled to a first side of the container and pivotable about an upper end portion at the first side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS9994390B2Container including sliding roof

Publication Date: 2018.06.12 ACE ENG & CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a container having a collapsible frame coupled to one side of a sliding roof that defines an upper side of the container. According to one aspect of the present invention, the container may include a collapsible frame that is pivotably coupled to one side of the container, and the sliding roof which defines the upper side of the container. The sliding roof may be configured to slide like a vertical blind along the upper side of the container in a direction from the side opposite to the one side toward the one side of the container, and to open the upper side of the container. The sliding roof may be configured to move past a first side of the container through the collapsible frame, and the collapsible frame may be configured to support the sliding roof when the sliding roof moves past the first side of the container.