Adapter for Mixed 20ft and 40ft Container Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container stacking arrangements on cargo ships restrict flexibility by preventing the stacking of 20-foot and 40-foot containers together, requiring time-consuming and costly modifications to support structures when trying to adjust container spacing.
Innovation Solution
A connecting adapter that can be attached to existing supports on a cargo ship's hatch cover, allowing 40-foot containers to be stacked on top of 20-foot containers by providing self-supporting fastening points for the 20-foot containers, enabling closer spacing without the need for new support structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If consecutive 20-foot containers are positioned with sufficient spacing for lashing operations, then lashing bars can be connected between container stacks, but 40-foot containers cannot be stacked on top of two consecutive 20-foot containers
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component positioned between consecutive 20-foot containers. It includes fastening points that connect to the corner castings of adjacent 20-foot containers, creating a unified support structure that can bear the load of a 40-foot container placed on top, thereby enabling mixed container stacking without requiring changes to the original support positions
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter merges two separate 20-foot container stacks into a single functional unit by providing connecting elements that join the corner castings of adjacent containers. This combination creates a stable base equivalent to a 40-foot container position, allowing the stacking of 40-foot containers on top of the combined 20-foot container structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If new supports are welded in new locations to enable closer container spacing, then 40-foot containers can be stacked on 20-foot containers, but the process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the support function into two parts: the original fixed supports on the hatch cover remain in place, while the adapter provides the additional positioning and support functionality needed for mixed container stacking. This segmentation avoids the need to move or modify the original support structures, saving time and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as a detachable intermediary that bridges the gap between the fixed original supports and the required positioning for mixed container stacking. It can be installed and removed without permanent modification to the ship's structure, enabling flexible reconfiguration of container arrangements
3Ease of manufacture
If the original support positions are used, then existing support structures can be utilized, but consecutive 20-foot containers must be spaced far apart preventing 40-foot container stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter provides multi-functionality by serving as both a connecting element between 20-foot containers and a support structure for 40-foot containers. It enables the same support system to accommodate different container configurations (20-foot only, 40-foot only, or mixed stacking) without requiring separate specialized supports for each case
Data Source
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AI summary
Adapter (12) for connecting consecutive 20-foot containers (6) to each other on top of the hatch cover of a cargo ship. The invention is implemented in such a way that the adapter (12) is installed into connection with supports in the center area of a hatch cover that were originally intended for fastening 20-foot containers.