Adjustable Barge Chocking Assembly for Transverse Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a removable and adjustable system that provides additional transverse restraint to cargo during maritime transportation, particularly for barges of varying sizes and configurations, as existing securing systems may not adequately address the specific load and dynamic conditions encountered during transit.
Innovation Solution
A barge chocking assembly comprising inboard and outboard chocking members, tensioning arms, and chock-support stands that allow for adjustable and removable transverse restraint, with features such as height-adjustable legs, locking arms, and angularly adjustable chock-engaging shoulders to secure the barge to the ship's support structure, enabling the transfer of transverse forces and accommodating different cargo sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional transverse restraints are used for barges of varying sizes, then transverse restraint effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chocking system is divided into separate modular components: inboard chocking members, outboard chocking members, tensioning arms, and chock-support stands. Each component can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing the system to adapt to different barge sizes without requiring a completely different restraint system for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable elements including height-adjustable legs on the chock-support stands and angularly adjustable chock-engaging shoulders. These dynamic adjustment capabilities allow the same basic system to accommodate varying barge dimensions and configurations, maintaining effectiveness while reducing overall system complexity compared to having multiple fixed systems.
2Device complexity
If fixed securing systems are used for all cargo, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying cargo sizes and configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chocking system is designed as a universal restraint system that can accommodate various barge sizes and configurations through its adjustable components. The same basic system structure serves multiple functions by allowing adjustment of chock positions, stand heights, and angular orientations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs adjustable legs with height adjustment mechanisms and angularly adjustable chock-engaging shoulders that can be repositioned to match different cargo dimensions. This dynamic adaptability allows a single system design to serve multiple cargo configurations, maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
3Reliability
If permanent chocking systems are installed on the ship, then transverse restraint reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to removal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The chocking system uses separate, detachable components that can be independently installed and removed. The inboard and outboard chocking members, tensioning arms, and chock-support stands are designed as discrete units that can be quickly assembled and disassembled without permanent installation, maintaining reliability while improving operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The system components are designed with pre-configured attachment mechanisms and positioning features that enable rapid installation and removal. The adjustable legs and chock-engaging shoulders are prepared in advance with the necessary adjustment capabilities, allowing operators to quickly configure and deploy the system without complex installation procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A chocking system, which is both removable and readily adjustable, for providing additional transverse restraint to cargo during transit. The chocking system may be utilized when the size and weight of the cargo requires additional restraints beyond the typical lashing gear, for example, the transportation of barges on a ship.