Secure ContainerGroup Members: Jacob Cooley, Troy Curtis, Luke Jensen, Damien Pullman, Marc Reininger

Advisor: Dr. Steven Naleway Project Sponsor: Brian Olsen, Los Alamos National Laboratory

Introduction:

Specifications:

Simulations:

Design:

Functionality:

The goal of this project was to design and construct a secure 30-gallon metal shipping container which could be used to transport and store a variety of items in a secure manner. The container must be secured by two independent locking methods; one of which is required to be electro-mechanical, while the other must be purely mechanical. It was anticipated that these locking mechanisms were integrated together into a single locking feature.

Emphasis was placed on the following parameters:

The container was designed to incorporate a rotating locking ring which is used to supply downforce to the lid and keep the lid sealed. The locking ring is prevented from rotating using a linear solenoid housed in the lock boxes welded to the side of the container and controlled using the keypad. When the correct combination is entered into the keypad, the solenoid actuates, allowing the locking ring to be rotated and the lid opened. The locking ring constitutes the mechanical locking method, while the solenoid constitutes the electro-mechanical locking method.

Solenoid

Keypad

Locking Ring

Lock Box

Handle

FEA simulations were created to mimic various forces applied to the handles of the container during a maximum weight loading scenario. This load was determined using the weight capacity rating of 500 pounds of the 30-gallon drum, along with the added maximum dry weight of the container of 55 pounds. Five simulations were performed based on various lifting scenarios. The one which produced the smallest safety factor against yielding is shown and simulates the container being lifted via a strap looped between the handles.

Rated Weight Capacity 500 lbs.

Specified Weight 55 lbs. Dry/110 lbs. Full

Regulated Pressure +/- 2.5 psi

Internal Capacity 30 gal.

Battery Standby Life 1 yr.

Amount of Cycles/Charge 100

Operating Temperature -20°C to 60°C

Cost $277.15

Material Yield Strength1026 Steel 60.2 ksi1018 Steel 53.7 ksi

Load StressesMax. 15 ksi

Factor of SafetyYielding 3.5Failure 4.2

The functionality of the lid, locking mechanisms, and seal was tested using the constructed prototype container. The locking ring kept the lid sealed to retain internal dryness in a driving rain simulation. The solenoid kept the locking ring from rotating until a combination was entered into the keypad, then the locking ring was rotated to open the lid.

Moving Forward:The prototype of the container did not meet all the requirements of the project; future work must be performed, including:

• Fitment of the pressure relief valve

• Sanding and painting• Loose wire shielding and

placement

• Keypad and electronics fitted into a watertight keypad housing

• Ergonomics• Ease of Use• Designed to 49 CFR

178 Subpart M

• Portability• Ease of Manufacturing• Secureness• Cost Effectiveness