Stackable Collapsible Container With Pivotal Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cost of transporting cargo containers is inefficient due to the same volume and weight considerations for both full and empty containers, leading to high logistical and regulatory challenges.
Innovation Solution
A stackable and collapsible container design featuring non-collapsible load-bearing vertical support members, pivotal connections on top and bottom surfaces, and removable support beams that allow for multiple collapsed states, conforming to ISO standards for efficient storage and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard cargo containers are used, then stacking and transport are simplified, but transportation cost efficiency deteriorates due to same volume for full and empty containers
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs collapsible side walls that can transition between extended and retracted positions, allowing the container volume to dynamically adjust based on cargo load. When empty, the side walls collapse to reduce volume to approximately one-quarter of the extended state, while maintaining full volume when loaded for efficient stacking and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The container's volume parameter is changed based on the loading state. The side walls are designed to change their spatial configuration from extended (full volume) to retracted (reduced volume), directly modifying the container's physical parameters to match cargo requirements and optimize transportation efficiency.
2Volume of moving object
If collapsible side walls are used, then volume efficiency improves, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls are segmented into multiple panels connected by hinges, allowing controlled collapse while maintaining structural integrity. Each panel can be independently positioned, and the segmentation enables the structure to transition smoothly between extended and retracted states without compromising overall strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls utilize curved or angled panel designs that distribute mechanical stresses more effectively during collapse and extension. The geometric configuration of the panels provides structural reinforcement, allowing the collapsible mechanism to maintain integrity under various loading and stacking conditions.
3Volume of moving object
If collapsible mechanism is added, then volume efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible mechanism is extracted as a separate functional system from the basic container structure. The side walls with their hinge connections and locking mechanisms form a distinct subsystem that can be independently analyzed and maintained, reducing the overall system complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connections and locking mechanisms are designed to provide uniform mechanical properties throughout the side wall structure. Each hinge and connector is engineered to handle equivalent loads and stresses, creating an equipotential structural system that simplifies analysis and maintenance while enabling reliable collapse and extension operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Structures, methods, and systems associated with a stackable and collapsible container are provided. One structure includes a stackable and collapsible container having at least four non-collapsible, load bearing vertical support members attached to vertical walls of the container and capable of supporting the weight of other containers. A top surface is included having a number of sections which include a pivotal connection to one another and which are collapsible about the pivotal connection to an interior of the container. A bottom surface is included having a number of sections which include a pivotal connection to one another and which are collapsible about the pivotal connection to an interior of the container. The top and the bottom surfaces of the container can be fixedly positioned in a number of collapsed states.