Vertical Transportable Container with Centralized Hopper for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transportable containers used in industries like construction and oil drilling face stability issues when filled or empty due to uneven weight distribution, leading to potential tipping during wind or accidental contact, as the outlet port design causes granular material to flow unevenly, making them less stable.
Innovation Solution
A transportable container design featuring a cylindrical shape with a central axis, a base that is symmetrical about the axis, and a sloping hopper configuration that directs granular material centrally to a lower outlet port, combined with a pivoting chute assembly and stabilizer legs for enhanced stability and flexibility in positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the outlet port is located on one side of the container bottom, then material can flow out through the port, but the container becomes unstable when filled because weight distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The hopper bottom is designed with an asymmetric slope that concentrates material flow toward the central outlet port. The sloped surfaces are angled to guide material from both sides of the container toward the center, creating a controlled flow path that maintains stability while enabling efficient discharge.
2Quantity of substance
If the container is made taller to maximize storage capacity, then more material can be stored, but the container becomes less stable and more prone to tipping
Solution Approach 1:
The hopper bottom introduces a dimensional solution by sloping the container floor toward the central outlet port. This creates a three-dimensional flow path that concentrates material toward the center, improving stability without reducing vertical storage capacity. The sloped floor design allows the container to maintain height while achieving better weight distribution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the container is empty, then it can be easily moved and repositioned, but it becomes highly unstable and prone to tipping from wind or accidental contact
Solution Approach 1:
The central outlet port design with sloped hopper bottom creates a counterbalancing effect. When the container is partially filled, material accumulates toward the center, creating a concentrated weight that acts as a stabilizing counterweight. This central concentration of mass reduces the tipping moment caused by wind or accidental contact, improving stability during both stationary and repositioning operations.
4Ease of operation
If a conveyor is used to receive material from a center outlet port, then material can be delivered to the required location, but the container must be taller and less stable
Solution Approach 1:
The central outlet port design serves multiple functions: it concentrates material flow for stable discharge, positions the outlet at an optimal height for direct ground-level receiving, and creates a compact configuration that eliminates the need for additional conveyor equipment. The single central port design makes the container adaptable to various receiving methods while maintaining stability.
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 design improves stability by maintaining a centralized center of gravity, allowing for more flexible positioning and increased leeway in chute orientation, reducing the risk of tipping and enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the upper container section includes a sloping hopper at a bottom thereof, the hopper configured to direct granular material into the lower container section
Implementation Method 2
a floor of the container is sloped toward the outlet port such that granular material stored in the container slides down the floor to the outlet port
Data Source
AI summary
A transportable container apparatus includes an elongate container having a central axis and a base attached to a bottom end of the container. The container and base are substantially symmetrical about the central axis and the container is oriented substantially vertically with the base resting on a ground surface when in a working position. The container having an upper container section with upper walls substantially parallel to the central axis and a lower container section with lower walls substantially parallel to the central axis. The upper container section includes a sloping hopper at a bottom thereof to direct granular material into the lower container section. A floor of the container is sloped toward an outlet port defined in a ported wall of the lower container section such that granular material stored in the container slides down the floor to the outlet port.