Adjustable Arms and Tethers for Steel Coil Securement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cargo securement systems for flatbed carriers, including steel coils, often fail to prevent shifting, rolling, or sliding during transit, leading to potential damage and safety hazards, even when using combinations of wedges, timbers, and chains as specified in regulations.
Innovation Solution
A cargo system comprising a base with anchoring beams and adjustable arms that pivot to secure steel coils, coupled with tethers extending from the arms to the carrier, providing additional bracing and tension to prevent movement during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional securement systems (wedges, timbers, chains) are used to secure steel coils, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of securing cargo is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple securing functions into an integrated system where the base, adjustable arms, and tethers work together as a unified mechanism. The arms can pivot between storage and operational positions, and the tethers connect the arms to the carrier, creating a coordinated securing system that improves reliability while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable arms are designed to pivot between a storage position (parallel to the deck) and an operational position (extending upward to contact the coil). This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different cargo sizes and securing requirements, enhancing reliability without requiring a completely separate system for each scenario.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional securement systems are used, then the ease of operation is moderate, but the stability of cargo during transport is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The base is pre-positioned on the carrier deck and the arms are pre-configured in a storage position parallel to the deck. This preliminary arrangement allows operators to quickly deploy the securing system by simply pivoting the arms into the operational position and engaging the tethers, rather than assembling components during the securing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable arms serve as intermediaries between the base and the cargo coils. They transmit the securing force from the tethers to the coils, providing stable support while allowing for adjustment to accommodate different coil sizes and positions, thus enhancing cargo stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional bracing and tension elements are added to prevent cargo movement, then the cargo stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable arms serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the coils, transmit securing forces through the tethers, and can be adjusted to accommodate different cargo configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, managing complexity while enhancing stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tethers function as flexible tension elements that can accommodate movement and adjustment while maintaining securing force. Their flexibility allows them to work effectively with the pivoting arms and various cargo positions, providing stable securing without requiring rigid, complex mechanical linkages.
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 system effectively secures steel coils on flatbed carriers, reducing the likelihood of coils breaking free during transit and enhancing safety by providing stable support and tension to prevent shifting, rolling, or sliding.
Implementation Method 1
Adjustable arms coupled to the base pivot toward the coil, pressing against upper portions of the coil to brace the coil for transport
Implementation Method 2
Tethers extend from distal ends of each of the arms and couple to the carrier, holding tension between the arms and the carrier, so that the arms press against the coil and secure the coil to the carrier
Implementation Method 3
A base lies on the flatbed carrier and couples to the flatbed carrier so that the base does not move with respect to the flatbed carrier
Data Source
AI summary
The cargo system secures at least one steel coil for transport on a flatbed carrier. Each coil sits on movable cargo supports coupled on top of a base with support beams. Support brackets couple the support beams to anchoring beams that are coupled to the flatbed carrier. Once a coil is loaded, arms with adjacent upper and lower segments connected by cross members pivot on arm mounts to make contact with the coil. The arms adjust by lengthening or shortening based on the size of the coil. Tethers pass through anchor brackets and over the coil to hold the coil to the base. The arms apply pressure to the coil based on the tension of tethers that extend from the ends of the arms and couple to tethering brackets coupled to the frame of the carrier.