Collapsible Unit Load Device (C-ULD)

Transportation hubs and warehouses in the logistics industry constantly face inefficient utilisation of their facilities due to empty Unit Load Devices (ULDs) being difficult to handle and consuming large amounts of storage space. With its collapse-ability and stack-ability, the C-ULD was developed to outclass conventional ULDs, since the C-ULD are easier to handle and store in batches when empty. Over time, adopting the C-ULD reduces storage space, logistic bottlenecks, and the number and rounds of transportation vehicles –therefore resulting in savings in resources, time and carbon footprint. The C-ULD was engineered on an AKE container using lightweight aviation grade and reusable material. Its firm and durable support structure was designed to meet airworthiness and logistics operations requirements, and its modularity is intended for easy maintenance and integration across the logistics chain. As a result, the C-ULD mechanism can be adapted for other types of containers, across the logistic chain in the air, on land or at sea, where all logistic transportation means can leverage from the C-ULD dynamic features. It does not require any special systems or costly infrastructure upgrades to the logistics process or facilities, nor any intensively trained staff. The C-ULD also offers customised branding for airlines advertising, allowing additional revenue streams when in operation. The C-ULD development took into consideration conventional logistic utilities that are still using manual operation and future-ready logistic systems that have adopted automation. For manual operation, without the need for any special tools, a simple crank mechanism allows just two logistic operators to manually ‘crank down’ to collapse or ‘crank up’ to deploy the C-ULD within seconds. Seamlessly, the same mechanism works with a robotic manipulator arm. When collapsing, the sides fold inwards to reduce the encumbrance height by 75%, thereby allowing four C-ULDs to stack up within the same volume that is conventionally required for one ULD. Red Dot Award: Design Concept | Concept | Mobility & Transportation