Automated container twist lock configuration system

Abstract

The described automated container twist lock system is designed to eliminate manual operation by automatically adjusting multiple locking assemblies on a truck bed based on various container configurations (single 20ft, back-to-back 20ft, or single 40ft). This eliminates manual handling risks and improves efficiency by allowing container loading and unloading without exiting the cabin.

Description

Automated Container Twist Lock Configuration SystemField of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to container securing systems, and more specifically to an automated container twist lock system for securing shipping containers onto truck beds. The system enables automatic configuration of twist locks based on container size and arrangement, eliminating the need for manual engagement and disengagement of twist locks.Background of the Invention

[0002] Retractable truck twist locks are an engineered type of locking mechanism designed to secure shipping containers onto the bed of a truck during transport. Unlike their fixed counterparts, retractable locks can be manually lowered into the truck bed and raised when needed, offering a made-to-measure way to handle and anchor containers. This retraction feature permits the transportation of various container configurations on a single charter, accommodating either single or back-to-back 20-foot containers, or a single 40-foot container, by allowing the truck to adapt to the specific container setup through the selective use of the locks.

[0003] However, the manual operation of retractable truck twist locks within loading yards presents a significant safety hazard for personnel. These locks secure shipping containers to trailers, but require workers to physically rotate levers or cranks to engage and disengage them. This process places workers directly in the path of the heavy container, leaving them vulnerable to crushing injuries if something goes wrong. Tragically, accidents involving retractable twistlocks have resulted in fatalities, with workers becoming pinned between the container and the trailer during operation.

[0004] The present invention seeks to provide a way which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[0005] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.Summary of the Disclosure

[0006] There is provided herein an automated container twist lock configuration system designed to eliminate the manual handling of twist locks on truck beds.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the system uses strategically placed bilateral locking assemblies that can be automatically stowed or deployed depending on the container configuration being carried (single 20ft, back-to-back 20ft, or single 40ft). This eliminates the need for workers to manually engage and disengage twist locks, reducing the risk of injury from crushed fingers or falls.

[0008] The system works by utilising actuators which may be controlled by a central control box. The driver may select the desired container configuration on a remote control within the cabin, and the control box automatically deploys or stows the relevant locking assemblies. Before stowing a lock, the system may automatically unlock it for safe removal. The system may also restrict operation based on location using a proximity sensor, ensuring proper use within designated areas like loading yards.

[0009] As such this system offers a safer and more efficient alternative to manual twist lock operation, improving safety for workers and streamlining container loading and unloading processes.

[0010] According to one aspect, there is provided an automated container twist lock configuration system comprising a plurality of container locking mechanisms, each having a twist lock and a configuration actuator, wherein the configuration actuator is configured to transition the container locking mechanism between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration.

[0011] The system may include a control system configured to control the operation of the locking mechanisms, wherein the control system is operable to selectively deploy or stow the twist locks based on an input corresponding to a selected container configuration.

[0012] The system may comprise a truck bed, wherein, in the stowed configuration, each twist lock sits flush with or below a platform defined by the truck bed to avoid interference with a container.

[0013] ln the deployed configuration, each twist lock may extend above the platform to engage a corner casting of a container, wherein the corner casting comprises a standardised aperture configured to receive the twist lock.

[0014] The configuration actuator may be a rotary actuator configured to rotate a rotary rod between the stowed and deployed configurations, wherein the rotary rod engages the twist lock to control its position.

[0015] The system may further comprise a twist lock actuator configured to rotate each twist lock between a locked position and an unlocked position when in the deployed configuration, thereby securing or releasing a container.

[0016] The control system may be configured to automatically control the twist lock actuator to unlock the twist lock before transitioning the locking mechanism to the stowed configuration.

[0017] The system may further comprise a control interface located within a truck cabin, wherein the control interface includes control inputs for selecting a container configuration and displaying the status of each locking mechanism.

[0018] The control inputs may correspond to predefined container configurations, including a single 20-foot container, back-to-back 20-foot containers, and a single 40-foot container.

[0019] The system may further comprise a proximity sensor configured to determine the location of the truck bed and to enable or restrict operation of the locking mechanisms based on the detected location.

[0020] The system may include a plurality of bilateral locking assemblies, each comprising a pair of locking mechanisms mounted at opposite ends of a common housing, wherein the bilateral locking assemblies are strategically positioned across the truck bed to engage corresponding container corner castings.

[0021] The twist lock actuator may further comprise an extension mechanism configured to extend or retract a cylindrical locking head of the twist lock, wherein, in one embodiment, the configuration actuator rotates the twist lock to the deployed configuration wh ile the locking head remains retracted, and the twist lock actuator subsequently extends the locking head into a corner casting before rotating it to a locked position.

[0022] The system may be configured to engage a braking system of the truck to prevent unintended operation, wherein actuation of the configuration actuators and twist lock actuators is restricted unless the truck's parking brake is engaged.

[0023] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of securing a shipping container to a truck bed using the automated container twist lock configuration system, the method comprising receiving a configuration input corresponding to a container arrangement, actuating a configuration actuator to transition a twist lock from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration, wherein, in the deployed configuration, the twist lock extends above a truck bed platform to engage a corner casting of a container and rotating the twist lock to a locked position to engage a corner casting of the container, wherein the corner casting comprises a standardised aperture configured to receive the twist lock.

[0024] The method may comprise detecting a location of the truck bed using a proximity sensor, and enabling or restricting operation of the twist locks based on the detected location. The method may comprise unlocking the twist lock prior to transitioning the twist lock from a deployed configuration to a stowed configuration.

[0025] By automating the engagement and disengagement of twist locks, the system provides a safer and more efficient alternative to manually operated container securing systems, reducing risks associated with manual handling and enhancing operational efficiency d uring container transport.

[0026] 0ther aspects of the invention are also disclosed.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0028] Figu re 1 shows a bilateral locking assembly consisting of a pair of locking mechanisms engaged on either side of a common housing, extending to the sides of a truck bed platform to engage respective sides of a container.

[0029] Figure 2 shows the automated container twist lock configuration system used for reconfiguring container twist locks on truck beds designed for shipping containers.

[0030] Figure 3 shows a deployed configuration of the twist lock mechanism, where the twist lock extends above the truck bed platform to engage a container.

[0031] Figure 4 shows a stowed configuration of the twist lock mechanism, where it sits flush with or below the truck bed platform to avoid interfering with the container.

[0032] Figures 5 and 6 show a preferred arrangement of bilateral locking assemblies, including a central pair and an outer pair, spaced approximately 20 feet apart, for securing containers on the truck bed.

[0033] Figure 7 shows an embodiment where the bilateral locking assembly includes a common configuration actuator acting on both locking mechanisms, simplifying the reconfiguration process.

[0034] Figure 8 shows a configuration for a single central 20-foot shipping container, where the central pair of locking assemblies would be stowed, and the outer pair would be deployed.

[0035] Figure 9 shows a configuration for back-to-back twin 20-foot shipping containers, where the central pair and the outermost pair of locking assemblies would be deployed, while the outer pair would be stowed.

[0036] Figure 10 shows a configuration for a single 40-foot shipping container, where both the central pair and the outer pair of locking assemblies would be stowed, and the outermost pair would be deployed.

[0037] Figure 1 1 shows an example of a remote-control interface, pneumatically implemented, comprising indicators and control inputs for configuring the locking mechanisms according to container configurations, conveniently located within the truck's cabin for the driver's use.Description of Embodiments

[0038] Figure 2 shows an automated container twist lock configuration system 100 used for reconfiguring container twist locks 101 on truck beds designed to carry shipping containers, including 20-foot and 40-foot containers. As will be described in further detail below, the system 100 automates the reconfiguration of the twist locks 101 depending on the shipping container configuration 102 being carried on the truck bed platform 103. Examples include a single central 20-foot shipping container shown in Figure 8, back-to-back 20-foot shipping containers shown in Figure 9, or a single 40-foot shipping container shown in Figure 10, thereby eliminating manual handling and the associated risks.

[0039] The system 100 comprises a plurality of locking mechanisms 104, each incorporating a respective twist lock 101. Each twist lock 101 is designed to engage with a standardised corner casting, or lug, of a shipping container 102. These corner castings are reinforced apertured blocks located at each corner of a container 102, featuring a rectangular slot with chamfered edges that guide the twist lock 101 into position. A configuration actuator is configured to adjust the locking mechanisms 104 between a stowed configuration, in which the twist lock 101 is retracted below the truck bed platform 103, and a deployed configuration,in which the twist lock 101 extends upward to engage a corner casting of the container 102.

[0040] I n the stowed configuration shown in Figure 4, the twist lock 101 sits flush with or below the platform 103 of the truck bed, preventing obstruction during loading, unloading, or when transporting cargo that does not require container locks. However, in the deployed configuration shown in Figure 3, the twist lock 101 extends above the platform 103 to align with the corresponding slot in the container's corner casting. As the container 102 is lowered onto the truck bed platform 103, the corner casting slots over the twist lock 101 , guiding it into engagement.

[0041] Once the container 102 is positioned, the twist lock 101 is rotated within the corner casting slot. In a conventional design, the twist lock 101 features a conical or cylindrical locking head that, when turned 90 degrees, moves from an insertion orientation to a locked orientation. In the insertion orientation, the locking head is aligned with the longer axis of the rectangular slot in the corner casting, allowing it to pass freely into the aperture. When rotated, the head aligns with the shorter axis of the slot, preventing vertical movement and thereby securing the container 102 to the truck bed platform 103.

[0042] The system 100 automates this engagement process, reducing the need for manual intervention. Preferably, each locking mechanism 104 further comprises a twist lock actuator 1 1 1 , which is configured to turn the twist lock 101 between locked and unlocked positions when the locking mechanism 104 is in the deployed configuration.

[0043] The twist lock actuator 1 1 1 controls the rotation of the twist lock 101 , ensuring secure engagement with the corner casting. The automated locking andunlocking sequence ensures that containers 102 can be secured and released efficiently, improving safety and operational efficiency.

[0044] In the illustrations, the twist lock 101 is depicted in a simplified form as a tab for clarity. However, it should be understood that this tab represents a conventional locking cone or head of the twist lock 101 , which is specifically shaped to interface with the standardised geometry of a shipping container's corner casting.

[0045] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a bilateral locking assembly 105 comprising a pair of locking mechanisms 104 mounted at opposite ends of a common housing 104, which operate on both sides of the truck bed platform 103 to engage respective sides of a container 102. Figure 7 shows an embodiment in which the bilateral locking assembly 105 includes a common configuration actuator 106 that acts on both locking mechanisms 104.

[0046] I n the preferred embodiment, the configuration actuator rotates the twist lock 101 between the stowed and deployed configurations. The configuration actuator may take the form of a rotary actuator 107 acting on a rotor mechanism 120. In embodiments the rotor mechanism 120 rotates a rotary rod 108 within the housing 101 between the deployed and stowed configurations. When transitioning to the deployed configuration, the twist lock 101 is inserted into the corresponding corner casting of a shipping container 102, allowing it to be subsequently rotated to a locked position. As the twist lock 101 engages the container's corner casting, the locking head transitions from an insertion orientation— aligned with the longer axis of the rectangular aperture— to a locked orientation, where it rotates 90 degrees to prevent disengagement.

[0047] ln alternative embodiments, the twist lock actuator 1 1 1 may further comprise an extension mechanism configured to extend or retract the cylindrical locking head of the twist lock 101 . In this arrangement, the configuration actuator may first rotate the twist lock 101 to the deployed configuration while the cylindrical locking head remains retracted. Once the twist lock 101 has reached the deployed position, the twist lock actuator 1 1 1 extends the cylindrical locking head into the aperture of the corner casting, positioning it in an insertion orientation. Thereafter, the actuator 1 1 1 rotates the locking head to the locked position, securing the container 102 to the truck bed platform 103.

[0048] This extended functionality enables more precise engagement with the corner casting, reducing the potential for misalignment during container loading. Additionally, by ensuring that the locking head remains retracted during rotation, the system 100 can prevent premature interference with the container's corner casting, enhancing reliability and minimising mechanical wear. Whether through direct rotational engagement or a combined extension and rotation mechanism, the system 100 provides a secure and automated method of locking shipping containers in place.

[0049] Preferably, a common rotary rod 108 acts on both locking mechanisms 104 within the housing 104, allowing the locking mechanisms 104 to rotate synchronously so that the bilateral locking assembly 105 requires only a single reconfiguration actuator. This coordinated actuation ensures that both twist locks 101 on either side of the assembly operate in unison, further streamlining the container locking process.

[0050] With reference to Figure 5, the system 100 preferably comprises a central pair 105A of bilateral locking assemblies 105 and an outer pair 105B of bilaterallocking assemblies 105 on either side of the central pair 105A, wherein the outer pair 105B is spaced approximately 20 feet apart.

[0051] With reference to Figure 8, the system 100 may further comprise an outermost pair 105C of conventional twist locks 101 or bilateral locking assemblies 105.

[0052] Accordingly, in the single 20-foot container configuration shown in Figure 8, the central pair 105A is stowed, whereas the outer pair 105B is deployed. In the back-to-back twin 20-foot container configuration shown in Figure 9, the central pair 105A and the outermost pair 105C are deployed, while the outer pair 105B is stowed. In the single 40-foot container configuration shown in Figure 10, both the central pair 105A and the outer pair 105B are stowed, whereas the outermost pair 105C is deployed.

[0053] The control system 100 is preferably configured to automatically control the twist lock actuator 1 1 1 to unlock the respective twist lock 101 before activating the configuration actuator to transition the locking mechanism 104 to the deployed configuration. In other words, the control system 100 automatically unlocks the respective twist locks 101 of any bilateral locking mechanism 105 being transitioned to the stowed configuration.

[0054] Figure 2 shows an embodiment in which the control system 100 comprises a control box 1 12. In the embodiment shown, the control box 1 12 is digitally implemented, although analogue (such as pneumatic or hydrostatic) versions are also envisaged. The digital implementation of the control box 1 12 may comprise a processor 1 13 for processing digital data. A memory device 1 14, in operable communication with the processor 1 13 via a system bus, is configured to store digital data, including computer program code instructions. In use, the processor1 13 retrieves these instructions for execution of the control functionality described herein. In some embodiments, the processor 1 13 may be a low-power ruggedised microprocessor, and the memory 1 14 may be implemented in firmware.

[0055] The processor 1 13 may interface with an I / O interface 1 15, which communicates with various peripherals, including the actuators 107, 1 1 1 , a proximity sensor 1 1 6 (the operation of which is described in further detail below), and a remote-control interface 1 17.

[0056] The remote-control interface 1 17 may be connected to the I / O interface 1 1 5 via a wired or wireless interface 1 18. In a preferred embodiment, the remote- control interface 1 17 is located within the truck cabin, allowing the driver to reconfigure the locking mechanisms 104 without leaving the cabin.

[0057] The remote-control interface 1 17 may include a plurality of indicators 1 18 and control inputs 1 19. In some embodiments, the remote-control interface 1 17 may be connected to the control system 100 via a hardwired connection, rather than relying on wireless communication. The hardwired connection may be implemented through front trailer plug connections, providing a direct electrical link between the truck cabin and the control system 100. This configuration offers an alternative communication pathway that may be preferred in environments where electromagnetic interference or wireless connectivity issues could affect signal reliability.

[0058] Figure 1 1 shows an example of a pneumatically implemented remotecontrol interface 1 17. The interface 1 17 includes two 20-foot container configuration indicators 1 18A, one 20-foot container configuration indicator 1 18B, and one 40-foot container configuration indicator 1 18C. In this example,each configuration indicator 1 18 may be paired to indicate the status of each respective locking mechanism 104 on either side of the truck bed.

[0059] The interface 1 17 further includes control inputs 1 19. Preferably, these control inputs 1 19 correspond to container configurations rather than individual locking mechanisms 104. The control box 1 12 then automatically configures the respective locking mechanisms 104 accordingly.

[0060] ln some embodiments, the control system 100 may be configured to automatically control the locking mechanisms 104 (or restrict their operation) based on the system's location. The proximity sensor 1 16 may be configured to determine the location of the system 100. In one embodiment, the proximity sensor 1 16 may be a GPS receiver, with the system 100 being programmed with geofenced locations of shipping yards. Alternatively, the proximity sensor 1 16 may receive wireless transmissions from a proximity transmitter, such as a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) transmitter. When the system 100 detects that it is within a designated shipping yard, the control system 100 permits the reconfiguration of the locking mechanisms 104.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the control interface 1 17 is located within the truck cabin. This allows the driver to enter a loading yard and, depending on the shipping container configuration to be loaded, use the control inputs 1 19 accordingly. The control system 100 then operates the actuators 107 to reconfigure the respective locking mechanisms 104 in the strategically placed bilateral locking assemblies 105. Accordingly, some bilateral locking mechanisms 105 are deployed, while others are stowed.

[0062] Containers may then be loaded onto the truck bed platform 103 without requiring the driver to exit the cabin.

[0063] For unloading, the driver may operate the control inputs 1 19 to transition all or some of the locking mechanisms 104 to the stowed configuration. As noted above, before transitioning a locking mechanism 104 to the stowed configuration, the control system 100 controls the twist lock actuator 1 1 1 to unlock the respective twist lock 101.

[0064] ln some embodiments, the system 100 may engage the truck's braking system to ensure that the actuators 107, 1 18 can only operate when the parking brake is engaged. In a further embodiment, the system 100 may include an automated brake interlock feature configured to prevent unintended movement of the truck in the event of an error condition. The control system 100 may monitor the status of each twist lock 101 during the locking sequence and verify that all deployed twist locks 101 are securely engaged with the corresponding corner castings of a container 102. If the system 100 detects that one or more twist locks 101 have failed to engage properly— such as in the event of misalignment by a crane operator— the system 100 may activate the automated brake interlock to prevent the vehicle from driving away. This ensures that the driver is alerted to the error and can take corrective action before attempting to move the truck. The brake interlock may be implemented through direct integration with the truck's braking system, wherein actuation of the accelerator is restricted unless a confirmation signal is received from the control system 100 indicating that all twist locks 101 are correctly engaged.

[0065] An exemplary method of use of the automated container twist lock configuration system 100 will now be described for illustrative purposes, but is not intended to limit or define the scope of the potential embodiments.

[0066] To prepare a truck for loading, a driver enters the truck cabin and operates the remote-control interface 1 17 to select the appropriate container configuration. The control system 100 processes the input and automatically reconfigures the locking mechanisms 104. If the selected configuration requires the deployment of specific twist locks 101 , the control system 100 actuates the respective configuration actuators 107 to transition the corresponding locking mechanisms 104 from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration. If a twist lock 101 is already in the deployed configuration, the system 100 ensures that it remains engaged.

[0067] 0nce the twist locks 101 are deployed, the system 100 verifies their status via sensors and displays confirmation on the indicators 1 18 of the remote -control interface 1 17. If the truck is located within a designated shipping yard, as determined by the proximity sensor 1 16, the system 100 permits operation. If the system 100 detects that the truck is outside an authorised area, the control system 100 prevents the reconfiguration of the locking mechanisms 104, ensuring compliance with operational safety protocols.

[0068] With the locking mechanisms 104 configured, a container 102 is loaded onto the truck bed platform 103. Once the container 102 is correctly positioned, the driver operates the control inputs 1 19 to engage the twist locks 101 . The control system 100 actuates the twist lock actuators 1 11 to transition the respective twist locks 101 from the unlocked position to the locked position, securing the container 102 to the truck bed platform 103. The system 100 then confirms the locked status of each twist lock 101 an d displays this status on the indicators 1 18 of the remote-control interface 1 17.

[0069] For unloading, the driver operates the control inputs 1 19 to disengage the twist locks 101. The control system 100 actuates the twist lock actuators 1 1 1 to transition the twist locks 101 from the locked position to the unlocked position. Once all relevant twist locks 101 are disengaged, the system 100 confirms their unlocked status via the remote-control interface 1 17. The container 102 is then lifted from the truck bed platform 103 by external handling equipment.

[0070] Following unloading, the driver may reconfigure the locking mechanisms 104 as required. If no further container is to be transported, the driver may select a stowed configuration. In response, the control system 100 actuates the configuration actuators 107 to transition the twist locks 101 from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration. Before transitioning any locking mechanism 104 to the stowed configuration, the control system 100 ensures that the corresponding twist lock 101 is unlocked. On ce all locking mechanisms 104 are in the stowed configuration, the system 100 verifies their status and displays confirmation on the indicators 1 18 of the remote-control interface 1 17.

[0071] To prevent unintended operation, the system 100 may be configured to require that the truck's parking brake is engaged before permitting actuation of the configuration actuators 107 or twist lock actuators 1 1 1. If the parking brake is not engaged, the system 100 may restrict operation until the brake is applied.

[0072] By implementing the above method, the automated container twist lock configuration system 100 eliminates the need for manual handling of twist locks 101 , improving safety and efficiency during container loading and unloading operations.

[0073] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, itwill be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1 . An automated container twist lock configuration system comprising a control system controlling a plurality of container locking mechanisms, each container locking mechanism comprising a twist lock and a configuration actuator, the configuration actuator being configured to adjust the container locking mechanism between a stowed configuration, in which the twist lock is stowed, and a deployed configuration, in which the twist lock is capable of locking a container.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the system comprises a truck bed, and wherein, in the stowed configuration, the twist lock sits flush with or below a platform defined by the truck bed so as not to interfere with the container.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein, in the deployed configuration, the twist lock extends above the platform.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the system comprises pairs of locking mechanisms positioned across the truck bed.

5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein each pair is controlled by a common configuration actuator.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the configuration actuator rotates the container locking mechanism between the stowed and deployed configurations.

7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the configuration actuator rotates a rotary rod between the stowed and deployed configurations, and wherein the twist lock is engaged by the rotary rod.

8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein a static rotary rod housing engages the rotary rod, and wherein the housing extends between edges of a truck bed.

9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the housing engages a pair of locking mechanisms on both sides of the truck bed, and wherein the configuration actuator acts on a common rotary rod therebetween.

10. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the configuration actuator comprises a linear actuator acting on a pivot arm connected to the rotary rod.11 . The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the system comprises: a central pair of container locking mechanisms; and an outer pair of container locking mechanisms surrounding the central pair, wherein the outer pair is spaced approximately 20 feet apart.

12. The system as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the system further comprises an outermost pair of container locking mechanisms surrounding the outer pair, and wherein each outermost pair is spaced 20 feet from a respective central pair.

13. The system as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the system further comprises an outermost pair of twist locks surrounding the outer pair, and wherein each outermost pair is spaced 20 feet from a respective central pair.

14. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each locking mechanism further comprises a twist lock actuator configured to rotate the twist lock between locked and unlocked positions when the locking mechanism is in the deployed configuration.

15. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the control system is configured to automatically control the twist lock actuator to unlock the twist lock before controlling the configuration actuator to transition the locking mechanism to the deployed configuration.

16. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the system comprises a control interface displaying the status of each container locking mechanism.

17. The system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the control interface comprises control inputs for controlling each locking mechanism.

18. The system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the control inputs correspond to container configurations, and wherein the control system controls respective locking mechanisms accordingly.

19. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the container configurations comprise at least one of: a single 20-foot container, double 20-foot containers, and a single 40-foot container.

20. The system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the system comprises a truck cabin, and wherein the control interface is located within the truck cabin.21 . The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the control system is configured to control the locking mechanisms based on the location of the system.

22. The system as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the control system comprises a proximity sensor configured to determine the location of the system.

23. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the control system is configured to monitor the engagement status of each twist lock and activate an automated brake interlock if one or more twist locks fail to engage properly, preventing vehicle movement until a confirmation signal is received indicating that all twist locks are correctly engaged.

24. A method of securing a shipping container to a truck bed using an automated container twist lock configuration system as claimed in claim 1 , the method comprising: receiving a configuration input corresponding to a container arrangement; actuating a configuration actuator to transition a twist lock from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration; androtating the twist lock to a locked position to engage a corner casting of the container.

25. The method as claimed in claim 24, further comprising detecting a location of the truck bed using a proximity sensor, and enabling or restricting operation of the twist locks based on the detected location.

26. The method as claimed in claim 24, further comprising unlocking the twist lock prior to transitioning the twist lock from a deployed configuration to a stowed configuration.

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